Zanzibar pushes for stronger legal actions against GBV

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBARIS have been urged to take proactive and decisive actions to dismantle all barriers to justice, including taking legal measures against the perpetrators of acts of gender- based violence (GBV) as the malpractices hinder the development of women and children in the isles.

Chief Government Statistician, Mr Salum Kassim Ali asked the public to avoid embracing ‘Muhali’, a tendency that is described as a setback in promoting women development.

‘Muhali’ refers to the harmful practice of complacency or hesitation in taking legal action against a perpetrator simply because they are a relative or close friend.

This mindset has become a shield for offenders in Zanzibar, significantly complicating the fight against GBV.

Mr Ali was speaking at Mazizini area during a meeting with various stakeholders to seek ways to end escalating acts of abuse against women and children in Zanzibar.

“Although we are making good progress in anti GBV campaign with many cases being reported and legal action against offenders taken, many community members still have ‘muhali’, as they hesitate to accord cooperation in the judicial process and often remain complacent, especially when it comes to providing evidence,” Mr Ali said.

He urged the community not to ignore incidents of gender-based violence (GBV), but instead expose and report all cases of abuse, even when the perpetrators are relatives or close friends, so that they can face legal action.

“The government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is working tirelessly to reach all segments of society, especially the youth, to raise awareness about the dangers of all forms of abuse while encouraging the reporting of offenders. ‘Muhali’ must have no place in our society,” he said.

He further argued that if all stakeholders work together with the government, it will be much easier to fight cases of violence against women and children.

“Community and government cooperation is crucial to eliminating these acts, which threaten the future of our nation,” he explained.

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During the meeting, some of the activists including Mr Yussuf Khatib also counselled the community, urging them to stop settling gender-based violence cases outside the legal system for any reason.

He explained that resolving such cases informally, bypassing the country’s legal procedures, only contributes to the persistence and escalation of abuse against women and children.

“We must protect our children and women from abuse. Do not accept bribes to drop cases,” he urged.

Sheha for Nungwi, Mr Makame Machu Ali, expressed concern that when an act of gender-based violence occurs within families, ‘Muhali’ often prevails, preventing legal actions from being instituted against the perpetrators.

Regional Administration Coordination Officer, Mr Ali Maulid Juma called on community leaders and Shehia coordinators to strengthen their collaboration with other stakeholders in combating violence against women and children.

He stressed the importance of teaching children self-defence skills and the importance of promptly reporting acts of abuse to the relevant authorities, especially when they involve close family members.

Chairperson of Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in Zanzibar (ANGOZA) Mashauri Shehe Khamis highlighted the need for continued education, particularly in rural areas, where ‘Muhali’ toward abusers remains widespread.

According to statistics from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician, a total of 1,718 cases of genderbased violence and abuse were reported from January to November, 2024.

The cases include rape, sodomy, defilement, indecent assault and sexual assault. During the meeting, which was attended by Shehas, officials from the Ministry of Community Development, Elders, Gender and Children, regional and district officials, Shehia coordinators and other stakeholders, the importance of continuing to take firm legal action against all perpetrators of GBV was strongly reiterated.