Exploring the Contribution of Gender-Sensitive Training in Reducing Gender-Based Violence: A Case of the Police Gender Desk in Dodoma City.

Ndomba, Asha (2025) Exploring the Contribution of Gender-Sensitive Training in Reducing Gender-Based Violence: A Case of the Police Gender Desk in Dodoma City. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explored the contribution of gender-sensitive training in reducing genderbased violence (GBV), focusing on the Police Gender Desk in Dodoma City. Despite the establishment of Gender Desks and specialized training, GBV remains a persistent challenge in Tanzania, raising questions about the effectiveness of these interventions. Guided by three objectives, the study examined how gender-sensitive training influences police officers’ understanding of GBV, enhances their responses, and the challenges encountered in applying the training. The study adopted a qualitative research design under the interpretivist paradigm, using a case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with trained officers and GBV survivors, selected purposively. Thematic analysis supported by NVivo was employed, while Feminist Legal Theory (FLT) provided the framework. Findings revealed that training broadened officers’ understanding of GBV, improved professional responses, and fostered survivor centered practices. Institutional resistance, limited resources, and inadequate follow up training hindered consistent application. The study concludes that gender sensitive training is vital in improving police responses to GBV, but its potential requires continuous capacity building, institutional support, and community sensitization. It recommends refresher training, adequate resourcing of Gender Desks, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and accountability mechanisms to ensure survivor-centered policing. Keywords: Gender-based violence, gender-sensitive training, Police Gender Desk, qualitative research, purposive sampling, Feminist Legal Theory, Dodoma City

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