Stakeholders push safe reporting systems for GBV

ARUSHA: STAKEHOLDERS combating gender-based violence (GBV) have been urged to establish safe, simple and confidential reporting systems to encourage survivors, including victims of workplace sexual harassment, to report abuse without fear of losing their jobs or facing reprisals.

The call was made in Arusha during the launch of the “Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment” platform, which aims to strengthen stakeholders’ capacity in the tourism sector to prevent and respond to such abuses.

Speaking after the launch yesterday, Arusha District Administrative Secretary, Dr Jacob Rombo, said society should not ignore sexual harassment, noting that it occurs in workplaces as well as private settings.

He said the challenge is more pronounced in the private sector, where some survivors hesitate to report incidents for fear of losing their jobs, especially when they depend on their income to support their families.

“Sometimes a person may fail to speak out for fear that if they report, they will lose their job. They may ask themselves: where will my children and relatives get food? That is why we, as stakeholders, must open the doors,” he said.

Dr Rombo noted that safe reporting mechanisms will enable survivors who are unable to speak publicly to submit complaints confidentially or approach relevant institutions directly, stressing the need to guarantee their safety and privacy.

He also called for such systems to be strengthened during recruitment processes, noting that some job seekers face pressure to offer sexual favours in exchange for employment.

He urged continued public education, particularly in schools and communities in both urban and rural areas, to help people identify abuse, understand their rights and know where to seek help.

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Meanwhile, Tanzania bora Initiative Director, Mr Ismail Biro, said the platform is part of a 12-month project implemented by the organisation with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania.

He said the project aims to promote safe and protective environments against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, particularly in the education sector.

According to him, the project has already been implemented in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Tanga, with Arusha set to benefit in the next phase alongside Dodoma, Mbeya, Mtwara and Mwanza.

Tourism stakeholders, including Arusha Institute of Accountancy (IAA) lecturer Laurent Mzirai and tourism student Lilian John, also called for stronger follow-up on GBV cases within the sector.

They said abuse can occur in hotels and other tourism-related settings, urging responsible desks to work closely with survivors and ensure cases are handled in accordance with the law rather than being settled informally.