Minister pushes for child protection

TANZANIANS have been implored to create a friendly environment for the girl child to prosper academically in efforts to fight Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

According to the Minister for Gender, Elderly and Children Dr Dorothy Gwajima, 60 per cent of acts of violence against children occur in homes and the remaining percentage takes place in other areas.

Speaking to journalists on implementation of the ministry’s budget for 2022/2023 financial year, Dr Gwajima said the docket has started to review section 29 of the Child Act 2009 and other laws related to child protection to identify gaps and improve them to correspond with the current needs.

“The Ministry has already formed a task force which is working closely with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in reviewing the Act for proper amendment…the government has already set aside 45m/- to review the laws related to child protection,” the minister said.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ in an exclusive interview, the Manager of Community Engagement and Action Department at HakiElimu (Right to Education) Mr Pius Makomelelo urged Tanzanians to actively participate in protecting the girl child against GBV acts.

Makomelelo further urged the society to build a culture of making follow-ups and report GBV cases, particularly to the girl child.