‘Gender relations strengthened through collaborative efforts’

DAR ES SALAAM: GENDER relations have improved significantly in recent times, thanks to the dedicated efforts of gender desks in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.

This was emphasised by the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) Vice Chancellor, Prof Elifas Bisanda, during the opening of a gender-based violence (GBV) training session held recently at the university’s headquarters in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam.

Prof Bisanda stated that the OUT is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable community, promoting positive relationships across all genders and professional groups within the institution.

“The main goal of this training is to build a community that upholds respect and fairness for all genders. We want a society where discrimination and disrespect do not exist, where we all work together to build our nation,” said Prof Bisanda.

Speaking at the training, Dr Betty Mntambo, Coordinator of the Gender Unit and Head of the Gender Desk at OUT, stated that the training was specifically designed for service providers as they are an integral part of the university community.

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The gender unit’s goal is to ensure a safe, respectful and equitable work environment.

“Gender-based violence is a serious issue and its impact on institutions can be devastating—it can damage an institution’s reputation and disrupt unity and progress. We do not want such issues to arise here,” said Dr Mntambo.

Inspector Mudathir Kato Makora, from the Gender and Children’s Desk of the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone, explained that gender-based violence includes any act intended to harm a person emotionally, mentally, physically or psychologically, regardless of their gender or social status.

He urged service providers to avoid or report any actions that indicate genderbased violence. Ms Flora Issa, supervisor of the Kishengweni Cleaning Company which has been contracted at the OUT, acknowledged that the workshop helped participants recognise their role in ensuring a safe and violence-free community at the university.

She called for similar workshops to be held regularly as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility in preventing gender-based violence.