Tanzania District Commissioner Urges Communities to Report Violence Against Women and Children

2026-03-09 region

Kigoma, 9 March 2026
Dinah Mathamani, District Commissioner of Uvinza in Kigoma region, has called for prompt reporting of violence against women and children to preserve evidence and ensure victims receive justice. Her appeal came during International Women’s Day celebrations on 8 March 2026 in Kakonko district, where she represented the Regional Commissioner. Mathamani emphasised that timely reporting prevents loss of crucial evidence in violence cases. The call is particularly significant given Kigoma’s position as a border region hosting substantial refugee populations from neighbouring countries, making protection measures essential for vulnerable groups.

Border Region Vulnerability and Protection Gaps

Violence remains a significant challenge across many communities and can occur in homes, schools, workplaces, or public areas [1]. Often, victims of violence fail to receive assistance because witnesses or those aware of such incidents struggle to report them [1]. The District Commissioner’s appeal directly addresses this reporting gap, emphasising that timely reporting helps prevent the loss of evidence and ensures victims receive justice promptly [1][5]. The call is particularly urgent in Kigoma region, which borders neighbouring countries and hosts significant refugee populations, creating additional vulnerability for women and children who may face heightened risks due to displacement and uncertain legal status.

National Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

The appeals in Kigoma align with a broader national effort to combat violence against women and children across Tanzania. On 5 March 2026, just three days before the International Women’s Day celebrations, community welfare officers in Njombe provided education to citizens about preventing violence and strengthening child protection, working alongside Railway Children Africa [3]. This educational campaign targeted areas around Njombe’s old and new bus stations, focusing on increasing community understanding about the importance of protecting children and ensuring safe environments for their growth [3]. Similarly, Minister Dorothy Gwajima addressed parental responsibility at a women’s conference on 6 March 2026 at the University of Dar es Salaam, criticising parents who abandon their children to be raised by grandmothers or relatives without taking responsibility [4].

Economic Empowerment Linked to Protection

Beyond violence prevention, District Commissioner Mathamani connected women’s protection to economic empowerment during the Kakonko celebrations [1][5]. She urged women to increase innovation in developing business ideas before applying for the 10% loans provided by local councils, ensuring their businesses can thrive and generate profits [1][5][7]. Mathamani stressed that to successfully develop business ideas or implement other entrepreneurial activities, women should work closely with Community Development specialists to determine whether their proposed economic activities align with suitable environments [1][5]. The completion of roads connecting Kigoma region to neighbouring regions, along with reliable electricity supply, has significantly increased market opportunities within the region, and she called on women to utilise these opportunities [1][5].

Regional and National Policy Context

The efforts in Kigoma reflect wider policy initiatives across Tanzania’s regions. Deputy Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Engineer Maryprisca Mahundi, addressed a women’s conference in Mbeya on 6 March 2026, stating that the government will continue to safeguard women’s and girls’ rights while economically empowering them to ensure full participation in national development [2]. This year’s International Women’s Day theme emphasised rights for women and girls as the foundation for inclusive development towards Tanzania’s National Vision 2050 [2]. In Mara region, Regional Commissioner Colonel Evans Mtambi reinforced these messages on 8 March 2026, stating that women’s rights and equality form the essential foundation for community development, urging women to continue demanding and protecting their rights in various social and economic spheres [9].

Bronnen

gender-based violence community protection