TGNP calls for intensive education, action on gender-based violence
KONDOA DODOMA: RESIDENTS of Kondoa District in Dodoma Region have appealed to the government, private sector, and various stakeholders to continue providing education on issues related to gender-based violence to curb early pregnancies in the area.
The residents said more education and awareness were needed to change people’s attitude and increase understanding on gender-based issues.
They were speaking during the 7th District level gender festival for 2024.
The festival brings various participants to discuss the accomplishments, evaluating existing challenges and strategies ways to ad dress and overcome them.
The festival, which was launched yesterday was graced by Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rose Senyamule.
The Executive Director of the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP), Ms Lilian Liundi said that the network would continue to implement the Beijing Platform for Action in collaboration with organisations advocating for women’s rights and gender equality in the country.
She also mentioned that efforts would continue to encourage women to pursue leadership positions to assert themselves and overcome oppression.
Ms Liundi explained that Kondoa was selected for the festival due to its ongoing issues with violence.
She acknowledged that early pregnancies remain a significant challenge in Kondoa District but emphasised the need for concerted efforts from both the community and the government to address the problem.
“These problems are deeply rooted in customs and traditions and re quire a collective effort to achieve the 2050 development vision, where teen age pregnancies will be a thing of the past,” Ms Liundi said.
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One of the participants, Ms Viktoria Ikandilo asked the government to intensify efforts in com bating the acts of violence and discrimination.
She called for increased investment in educational programs to promote tolerance and understanding, as well as the enactment of strict laws to hold perpetrators accountable and protect vulnerable groups.
