Tanga intensifies GBV fight with whistleblower network

TANGA: THE fight to transform Tanga’s reputation as one of Tanzania’s top four regions with the highest rates of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and violence against children is gaining new momentum as a wave of grassroots initiatives is emerging to break the silence and mobilise communities toward protection and justice.

At the forefront is the Tanga Youth Talents Association (TAYOTA), which is spearheading the creation of a citywide network of whistleblowers to identify, report and help address incidents of abuse.

The network will be directly linked to relevant authorities to ensure swift action against perpetrators and to encourage survivors and their families to come forward without fear.

Speaking after the inaugural seminar for selected influential community members at Msambweni Ward, TAYOTA Director George Bwire said the initiative is part of a 15-month project titled “Pamoja Tuwalinde” literary translated as “Together Let’s Protect Them.”

The project, valued at 2.4bn/- is one of seven interventions funded by the Botnar Foundation under the Tanga Yetu Initiative.

“This seminar is the first step in building a team that will coordinate the reporting and follow-up of GBV and child abuse cases,” said Bwire.

He insisted that the ultimate goal is to establish a strong, citywide vigilance system. “Our vision is to have whistleblowers in all 27 wards of Tanga City, creating a solid chain of vigilance and support for victims,” he said.

Tanga’s persistently high GBV rates, Bwire noted, are linked to harmful cultural practices, stigma and fear of retaliation factors that discourage victims and witnesses from speaking out.

“This fight is not just about enforcing laws, it’s about changing mindsets, traditions and everyday behaviours that have normalised abuse,” he explained.

“We’re helping communities to understand that protecting children and women is a collective responsibility.”

The project also aims to strengthen collaboration between community-based organisations and government institutions, including police gender desks, social welfare officers and health facilities.

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Bwire stressed that this coordination is essential to ensure survivors receive timely medical, legal and psychosocial support.

TAYOTA’s Engagement Officer, Selemani Msey highlighted that fighting GBV and violence against children is not a one-off effort.

“This is a long-term process built on trust and cooperation. When communities, local leaders and authorities work hand-in-hand, fewer cases go unreported or unresolved,” he said.

According to national data, violence against children remains widespread in Tanzania, with girls more vulnerable to sexual abuse and boys to physical violence.

In Tanga, specific cases include early and forced marriages, sexual exploitation and physical assault.

Activists warn that many more cases remain hidden due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness of available services.

TAYOTA believes that through whistleblower mobilisation and sustained community engagement, Tanga can reverse the trend and become a model city for how local action can tackle deeprooted social issues.

“By creating an informed, empowered community, we can protect our most vulnerable citizens,” said team member Hamad Kidege.