Germany applauds government  for strengthening legal system  

The applause was expressed by the Liason Officer in Dodoma, Richard Shaba in a statement he read on behalf of the German ambassador in Tanzania.

Speaking during the launch of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV) in Dodoma Region, he said such reforms are bearing fruits and has helped broaden education on human rights and GBV.

The event held at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) was organized GIZ in collaboration with the ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs and brought together different stakeholders including UDOM students who were the key target.

Shaba also expressed Germany’s commitment to supporting the government in broadening legal services as well as promotion of human rights in the country.

“Today’s event is a result of cooperation between GIZ and the government through the ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs” he said, adding that such efforts are important in social development.

Earlier, Katharina Kuehn, Project Manager for Society in Action for Equality (SAFE), noted that in a world where GBV persists as a global challenge, the event provided a unique opportunity for participants to reflect on personal experience and observations concerning GBV and explore collaborations among different as law and art.

Aligned with the theme “Invest to prevent violence girls and women”, she added that the event also underscored  the importance of addressing entrenched  social norm affecting women’s participation in various spheres , including  work, education ,economic activities, and decision-making processes.

Kuehn observed that GIZ through Access to Justice for Women and Children, SAFE as well as Promotion of Rule of Law and Judiciary in Africa(PRoLA) projects is supporting MoCLA) in Tanzania in their efforts with regard to strengthening human rights, especially women’s and children’s rights , fighting GBV and facilitating access to justice and legal aid.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Constitution and Legal Affais, Dr Pindi Chana, stated that the government in collaboration with other stakeholders are working hard to end GBV.

She called on students at the university to be good ambassador in the fight, helping affected people at the learning institution and beyond, stating that the campaign ought to be every day and only celebrated at the global designed week.

Dr Chana also expressed concerns that GBV is deeply rooted in some traditional and cultural practices, calling on members of the public to jointly support the government in fighting it.

“GBV is taking different forms and at times performed at early stages of life where the affected do not know what to do”, she said.

The ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, in partnership with the UDOM and GIZ Tanzania, united forces to confront the pervasive issue of GBV as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism.

Bringing together an inclusive array of stakeholders including students from UDOM’s Legal Aid Clinic, the Gender Club, and the film and theatre department, the organizations facilitated discussions on GBV tailored to individual context.