Investigation of the involvement of women in drug use and trafficking in Tanzania: a case of Dar es salaam

This study investigated reasons behind increase in number of women involving in drug use and trafficking in Dar es Salaam region. Qualitative research approach was employed. The study involved 55 participants obtained through snowball, purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and documentary review. The study unveiled that the recent increase in number of women into use and trafficking of illicit drugs resulted from male dominance and women’s poor economic base. Also poverty and influence from their male partners/spouses who are drug traffickers and users pushed women into drug use as well as trafficking. It was also revealed that family conflict was among of the factors forcing women into drug trafficking and use. Furthermore, insufficient funds and corruption within agencies responsible for fighting against illicit drugs were revealed as hindrance factors for the fight against illicit drugs and the increase of women involvement in drug use and trafficking. The study recommends the following: first, family should be the unifying factor by allowing women to participate in decision-making at family level and eliminate cultural as well as religious beliefs, which force women to get married out of their will. Second, the government should increase budget allocation to the ministry and agencies responsible for fighting against drug use and trafficking.