Exploring the social construction of pain in gender based violence: a case study of Marangu west ward in Kilimanjaro region

This study was conducted to examine the social construction of pain in Gender based violence. The study was conducted at Marangu West Ward in Kilimanjaro Region. Specifically, the study aimed at analyzing how the society socially constructs pain resulting from GBV; the cultures that prompt pain tolerance and also the impacts of pain tolerance to the members of the family. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed by the researcher during the study. Qualitative methods helped to attain detailed testimonies and other information relevant to the study while quantitative methods were employed to attain digital data that were used to summarize the study using SPSS. Data were collected using interview, observations, focus group discussions, questionnaires, document reviews and Internet sources. The findings of this study indicate that the society generally construct pain experienced from GBV as normal and therefore social construction is seen as a major obstacle in combating GBV. The study also reveal culture is also a major obstacle in combating GBV and that there are many cultural forces that prompt pain tolerance in the researched area and severe consequences are laid on families that prompt pain tolerance. The researcher in this study recommends to the government and non-governmental organizations to exert more efforts in providing education to the people regarding general awareness of GBV especially on women. They should be aware of help seeking strategies and how to protect themselves from GBV.