Community roles key to ending abuse
DAR ES SALAAM: THE national drive to secure the safety of women and children shows no signs of slowing down as the Police Force intensifies its grassroots campaign across four regions.
Moving far beyond the annual celebrations of early March, Gender and Children’s Desks have transitioned into a sustained phase of community outreach, embedding law enforcement directly into the villages and schools where it is needed most. In the Lushoto and Muheza districts of Tanga, the focus has shifted toward institutional safety.
Lead officer for the Lushoto Gender Desk, Inspector Karim Rubaza, recently briefed residents of Gologo Village on the necessity of reporting perpetrators immediately. He said that community cooperation is the only way to ensure that the laws protecting children are actually enforced at the village level.
This message was echoed at Ngomeni Primary School in Muheza, where Inspector Mshana conducted outreach sessions with students.
The goal was to teach children how to identify warning signs of abuse and the importance of speaking out. By encouraging students to use appropriate reporting channels, the police aim to create a protective environment that allows children to focus on their studies without fear.
In the Mbozi District of Songwe, the campaign reached Lumbila Secondary School. Community Police Officer, Inspector Happy Lumbe, urged students to avoid risky peer groups and remain courageous when witnessing acts of violence.
The directive in Songwe is clear, legal action can only be taken when the community and the students themselves act as the eyes and ears of the Police Force.
In a significant shift toward addressing family dynamics, Inspector Waziri Mbarami of the Kyengege Ward in Singida addressed the men of Makunda Village. He challenged the traditional notion that child upbringing is solely a mother’s responsibility.
ALSO READ: VP satisfied with Uhuru torch launch preps
Inspector Mbarami said that the development and well-being of children depend on the active guidance of both parents. In addition to safety from violence, the Singida outreach included practical health advice.
Parents were reminded to protect children from infectious diseases during the rainy season by managing stagnant water and ensuring children do not walk alone at night, which reduces their exposure to both health risks and physical harm. Further south in Newala, Assistant Superintendent of Police Aboubakari Mohamed and Inspector Tumaini Ngwanda visited Butiama Primary School.
Their session focused on the dual nature of citizenship, teaching children their fundamental rights while also outlining their responsibilities in society. By demystifying the role of the Gender and Children’s Desk, the officers are working to build a more approachable and transparent relationship between the youth and the police.
The national campaign emphasizes that security and peace are the foundations of regional development. By involving men in upbringing, educating children on their rights, and streamlining reporting processes, the Police Force is working to ensure that safety becomes a shared community responsibility rather than just a legal requirement.
