An Assessment of the Challenges and Success of Police Gender Desk to Reduce Gender Based Violence in Dodoma City.

Lazaro, Tulizo (2025) An Assessment of the Challenges and Success of Police Gender Desk to Reduce Gender Based Violence in Dodoma City. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Police gender desks were established in the police stations of Tanzania in order to address gender based violence (GBV) in the country. This study assessed the challenges and success of police gender desks to reduce gender based violence in Dodoma City. Specifically, the study described the causes of GBV and the issues that reported to the police gender desks, assessed on how the reported GBV are handled, determined the challenges encountered and recommend the strategies to eliminate gender based violence in the community. This study involved 80 respondents; 60 were women victims and 20 were the key informants. Data were collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The findings indicate that gender based violence mainly occurs due to existence of bad customs and traditions, male dominance and patriarchal system, superstition belief and lack of economic resources. In exploring the way reported gender-based violence cases were handled from both women victims and key informants, the study revealed that the victims were given lawyer assistance and compensation and education on the impacts of gender-based violence to the victims, lastly bringing the GBV perpetuator to the court for case filing and hearing. The study revealed some success and challenges. The study finds success such as reduction in number of GBV cases, educating the mass and strengthens the relationship between PGDO and members of the society. The study highlighted the challenges facing the gender desk. The study recommended an increase in the budget allocation by the government and deployment of more police officers. Also, the community should cooperate with the government, NGOs and other stakeholders to put more efforts to fight against GBV. Keywords: Gender, Gender-Based Violence, Police Gender Desks, Police Gender Desk Designing.

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