OVAH Tanzania Institute has voiced strong opposition to derogatory terms directed at women in public spaces, arguing that such language creates a sense of insecurity for women.
The Institute’s Director General, Modesta Joseph, made this statement during the launch of the Community Safety Initiative, a collaborative campaign aimed at discouraging disrespectful language towards women.
Ms Joseph highlighted those terms commonly used for women in marketplaces and bus stations, contribute to feelings of insecurity and degradation.
“Such derogatory terms make many women feel unsafe. Through the Community Safety Initiative, we aim to educate drivers, vendors and the general public on mutual respect and protection to foster a safer community,” she said.
She also addressed the issue of harassment faced by women in public spaces, noting that such actions constitute gender-based violence.
To combat this, the institute has developed posters and videos to educate the community on appropriate conduct and the steps to report incidents of harassment.
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OVAH Programme Officer Ilham Mohamed noted that while most perpetrators of harassment are men, the organisation has been engaging with them to promote awareness and encourage them to take an active stand against gender-based violence.
“Men should lead by example to create a safe community. It is every Tanzanian’s responsibility to ensure respect and safety for all,” she said.
Ms Faith Mkonyi, Communications Leader at Sesema Institute, highlighted the widespread misunderstanding of sexual violence, often limited to the definition of rape.
She emphasised the need for increased education and called on the government to improve street lighting to enhance public safety.
