The role of Non-governmental organizations in addressing gender based violence: the case of women non-governmental organizations in Kinondoni municipal, Dar es Salaam region.

This study examined the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Tanzania, focusing on four women NGOs, namely TAWLA, TGNP, TAMWA and WLAC as case study. Data collection and analysis were conducted using an interactive approach, whereby the interview guides were continuously updated to explore and capture emerging themes. In particular, the study used in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as the main methods of data collection from sixty five (65) respondents actors sampled from TAWLA, TGNP, WLAC and TAMWA. Overall the study findings reviles that 58 (89.2%) reviles that legal measures as noted by respondents where by women are given lawyers in a low cost or even sometimes free of charge so as to ensure that they acquire their rights as women. Also, 31(47.7%) the measures are said to be effective because the experience is that the issues solved or addressed have usually led to effective outcome and there is usually a big change to the saving of victim’s life. 16 (24.6%) respondents said that women NGOs have a role of providing legal aid which, mostly, is done by TAWLA and WLAC which provide lawyers for free or for a very low price in order to make it affordable for women and girls who are the victims of GBV. that 54 (83.1%) respondents are fully aware of the specific issues which women NGOs address in order to help the victims of GBV. However, 11 (16.9%) respondents were totally ignorant of specific measures taken by women NGOs in order to help GBV victims. 12 (18.5%) respondents suggested that the society should have their own strategies aimed at ending GBV which is evident in communities. Among the strategies suggested by respondents include fining those who perpetrate GBV. This will help to reduce GBV to a larger extent. Also, 17 (26.2%) respondents suggested awareness creation as another measure of overcoming GBV to women and girls in Tanzania. Furthermore, 12 (18.5%) respondents said that there should strict laws as one of the strategies to end GBV. Such laws could establish, for instance, a not less than 30-year in prison sentence altogether with harsh fine for those who are proven to commit GBV. In addition, 7 (10.7%) respondents proposed education as one among the measures to be taken in order to end GBV, and 6 (9.2%) suggested the use of media as the way to end GBV as well.