TAWJA enhances legal awareness campaign

ZANZIBAR: THE Tanzania Women Judges Association (TAWJA) is intensifying its grassroots legal education campaign, targeting community groups that play key roles in promoting justice and human rights across Zanzibar.

Speaking during a legal empowerment training session for activists, local leaders (masheha), paralegals, and gender desk officers from the South and North regions of Unguja, TAWJA Project Officer, Ms Asha Hassan Komba revealed the ongoing legal knowledge gap despite various national and stakeholderled efforts.

“There is still a significant lack of awareness about legal rights, particularly in critical areas such as land ownership, inheritance, and protection against gender-based violence,” Ms Komba said, adding; “This lack of understanding often leads to individuals being denied their fundamental rights.”

The programme is part of TAWJA’s broader mission to decentralise legal knowledge and ensure it reaches ordinary citizens.

According to TAWJA’s coordinator for Unguja and Resident Magistrate at the Mjini Magharibi Regional Court, Ms Sara Omar Hafidh, the initiative engages communities through diverse, accessible platforms.

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“We are taking legal education directly to where people are markets, schools, bus terminals, and other public spaces to raise awareness and empower citizens to claim their rights,” Hafidh explained.

She noted the importance of challenging cultural barriers that hinder access to justice.

“Communities must move from passive acceptance to active engagement in legal matters. We need better parenting, community education, and open dialogue to build a generation that understands and demands its legal rights,” she added.

The one-day workshop was conducted in collaboration with Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and attracted wide participation from grassroots leaders.

Participants, including Ms Kazija Ussi Omar, Mr Matheo Herman, and Ms Hanuni Maulid Haji from various villages in Unguja, expressed their appreciation and pledged to share their newly acquired legal knowledge within their communities. “This training has opened our eyes,” said Ms Omar.

“I now feel better equipped to help my community understand and assert their rights through lawful means.”