UN Women, EU boost child protection efforts

ZANZIBAR: IN a significant move to enhance efficiency in handling gender and child-related cases, the UN Women organisation, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has donated 23 laptop computers to the Police in Zanzibar.

The laptops are designated for use in the offices of the Gender and Children’s Desk across the regions of Unguja and Pemba.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the Zanzibar Police Academy, the Project Coordinator for the ‘End Gender-Based Violence in Zanzibar’ initiative from UN Women, Ms Lucy Tesha underlined the importance of technology in improving service delivery.

She explained that the laptops would facilitate better data collection and management, enabling the Gender and Children’s Desk to store and analyse critical information efficiently.

“This would aid stakeholders in developing more effective strategies to combat gender-based violence and child abuse,” she said.

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She added: “The availability of accurate and timely data is crucial in the fight against gender-based violence. These computers will support police officers in documenting and analysing cases, ensuring that essential information is accessible for strategic planning and intervention efforts.”

The donation was warmly received by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Maria Nzuki, who serves as the Head of the Gender and Child Protection Desk at the Police HQ in Dodoma.

She expressed gratitude to UN Women and the EU for their continued support in strengthening the technological capabilities of the police force.

“This generous donation will significantly improve the efficiency of our officers in handling gender and child protection cases.

By embracing technology, we can enhance our ability to prevent and respond to incidents of abuse more effectively,” said DCP Nzuki.

She said that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce or eliminate gender-based violence and protect children’s rights in Zanzibar, and that by equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools, stakeholders hope to create a safer environment and improve access to justice for victims of abuse.

The partnership between UN Women, the EU and the Zanzibar Police marks another milestone in the fight against genderbased violence, demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering a society free from violence and discrimination.