SHINYANGA: THE public has been urged to utilise the advancement of information and communication technology, along with other methods, to spread awareness against gender-based violence (GBV).
This year, some stakeholders incorporated the khanga dress into the campaign against GBV.
Speaking at the climax of the 16 Days of activism against GBV, Dakama Division Officer Ms Tumshukuru Mudui, stated that the 16 days of activism, alongside women’s training, marked a significant milestone toward a GBV-free society.
“I would like to thank Barrick Bulyanhulu, Taifa Gas, and other partners for organising this unique event, which promotes the fight against GBV and encourages the use of clean energy (gas) to mitigate the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation,” she noted.
He also expressed gratitude to the women teachers, food vendors and entrepreneurs who participated in the 16 Days of activism against GBV, encouraging them to become ambassadors for those who were unable to attend.
He emphasised the importance of women’s participation in training, urging them to help spread awareness and education about GBV in primary and secondary schools, thereby creating an environment where schoolchildren can understand the issue from the grassroots to the national level.
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He also praised the Tanzania Police Force for establishing gender desks to address GBV issues and for collaborating with various stakeholders and institutions in the fight against GBV.
For his part, Barrick Bulyanhulu General Manager Victor Lule supported the idea of using ICT revolution as a proper channel to address GBV at national, regional and international levels to combat GBV effectively.
“It’s very sad and unfortunately during this era of technology still we encounter barbaric acts against women and children and some of the victims have lost their lives,” he said.
Barrick Bulyanhulu Mine Community Relations and Environmental Manager, Mr Agapiti Paul, stated that the 16 days of training on GBV for women in mining communities had a positive impact, raising awareness about violence and how to address it.
“We have used this initiative not only to educate about GBV but also to promote the use of clean energy for cooking, supporting the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he said.
Taifa Gas Zonal Sales Manager, Mr Joshua Julius, said the company chose to join the 16 Days of activism against GBV by supporting and distributing clean energy stoves, in line with initiatives championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“The clean energy initiatives not only save time and are environmentally friendly but they also improve the health of women in rural areas who often rely on charcoal for cooking,” he explained.
Ms Maria Sokoni, a married and teacher from Kikola Kati Secondary School of GBV training beneficiaries said she believed GBV had not only caused physical damage, but also physiological torture to hinder women from meeting their own socioeconomic goals.
