Tanzania records a decline in cases of sexual violence with women being the primary victims

DODOMA: THE Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, has said that statistics show a decline in cases of sexual violence in the country, although women continue to be the primary victims of such acts.

While presenting the Ministry’s Revenue and Expenditure Estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year in Parliament in Dodoma today, June 1, 2026, Dr Gwajima stated that various efforts being implemented by the government and stakeholders are beginning to yield positive results in reducing incidents of sexual violence.

She said that statistics from the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Police Force indicate that cases of sexual violence affecting both genders decreased from 12,749 cases in 2024 to 11,625 cases in 2025.

However, the Minister pointed out that women are significantly more affected by sexual violence than men.

She explained that 10,976 women were victims of sexual violence in 2024, with the number declining to 10,057 in 2025. Among men, the number of victims fell from 1,773 in 2024 to 1,568 in 2025.

Dr Gwajima said that these figures clearly show that there is still a need to intensify efforts to protect and empower women against gender-based violence, as its effects also impact the well-being of children and families as a whole.

“Statistics on gender-based violence among adults clearly indicate that more efforts are needed to free women from gender-based violence, because when a mother is subjected to violence, the child is also at a high risk of being affected by that violence,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen prevention strategies, education, and women’s empowerment initiatives so that women can achieve their aspirations and improve their livelihoods and overall well-being.