DAR ES SALAAM, Oct 31 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — CIVIL society organisations have called on the government to continue addressing child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence to create and uphold safe, equal environments for girls across the country, securing their right to education.
This appeal was made by the Executive Director of the Children’s Dignity Forum (CDF), Koshuma Mtengeti, during a consultation meeting with CSO partners.
The meeting, which gathered over 45 key stakeholders, aimed to gather insights, build consensus and strategise advocacy efforts for legal and policy reforms, including amendments to the Law of Marriage Act, re-entry programmes and measures to address school-related sexual and gender-based violence.
The event was organised by CDF in partnership with the Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA).
Mtengeti stated that the gathering was a call to action to break cycles of abuse, protect vulnerable children and ensure they grow up in environments free from fear and violence.
“We urge the government to create safe environments, ensuring equal rights for all children, including girls and to prevent child marriages through strict laws, empowering them to return to school,” he stated.
He emphasised that child marriage and sexual violence not only violate fundamental rights but also obstruct community development. These injustices strip children of their potential, disrupt their education and perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.
Mtengeti highlighted those harmful cultural practices, including child marriages in some communities, continue to hinder girls’ development, particularly in their access to education.
Addressing the re-entry policy, he noted ongoing challenges in its implementation, such as a lack of facilities to support girls’ return to school, unprepared teachers and community resistance.
“Since the re-entry policy’s introduction, we’ve observed successes with some girls returning to school in regions where local authorities, police gender and children’s desks, and community members are supportive,” he said, adding “However, resistance persists in other regions due to societal norms and limited guidance.
Returning girls continue to face bullying and discrimination, which often forces them to leave school again.”
Rose Elisante from HakiElimu also called on communities to support girls returning to school and to reject discrimination, as this hinders their educational progress and denies them their right to education. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
