Legal aid campaign reaches 3.7 million Tanzanians as awareness spreads

SINGIDA: A total of 3.7 million Tanzanians across the country have benefited from Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign since its launch in 2023, the government has revealed.

The Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr Juma Homera, disclosed this in Singida town on Friday during the official launch of the Legal Aid Services Clinic for Singida Region.

He said that of the total beneficiaries, 1.9 million were women, while 1.8 million were men.

Dr Homera noted that beneficiaries have received education on legal matters, human rights and good governance, with the aim of empowering citizens to understand, protect and claim their fundamental rights.

He said the implementation of the Mama Samia Legal Aid Services Campaign has registered commendable achievements, highlighting the importance of sustaining and expanding the programme to ensure it reaches all citizens across the country.

The Minister further said the government will continue to establish platforms that enable citizens to present their grievances and access legal assistance with ease, including the construction of dignified and well-equipped legal aid facilities in every region.

He urged members of the public to make full use of the legal aid clinics, assuring them that sufficient numbers of qualified experts are available to assist in addressing their legal challenges.

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Earlier, the Deputy Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Ms Zainab Katimba, said gender-based violence remains one of the major challenges facing society and is among the key factors driving the demand for legal aid services, particularly among women and children.

“Gender-based violence is a criminal offence and must not be tolerated under any circumstances. I urge the community to report such incidents so that victims can be protected and justice served,” she said.

The Legal Aid Services Campaign, popularly known as the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign, aims to provide citizens with legal education on their rights, responsibilities and the principles of good governance.

In addition, the campaign offers legal advice and counselling to victims of gender based violence, land disputes and other legal challenges, while promoting access to justice for all, especially those unable to afford the cost of legal representation.