Gender-Based Violence Against Children Remains a Growing Concern in Mbeya
By Friday Simbaya
Mbeya. The increasing cases of gender-based violence against children, particularly within families and communities, have raised concerns. These cases often involve murder, defilement, rape, early pregnancies, and excessive physical abuse.
As the world continues to advocate for the rights of women, girls, and children, it also emphasizes the need to combat gender-based violence, ensuring child protection and equality.
Despite efforts by various organizations to educate communities about early pregnancies and child protection, legal obstacles remain a major challenge. For instance, the existing marriage law allows girls under the age of 14 to be married with court, parental, or guardian consent.
Even though the Court of Appeal has ruled that sections 13 and 17 of this law should be amended, the government remains silent, leaving girls vulnerable.
Other problematic laws include the Employment and Labour Relations Act of 2004, which has contributed to child exploitation, teenage pregnancies, and the denial of education for many young girls.
The Role of the Rural Women’s Forum and MIICO
Speaking during a gender-based violence awareness session for Form One students at Mbeya Day Secondary School, Feristar Wiston, a Community Development Officer from MIICO, explained that the Rural Women’s Forum focuses on issues such as gender-based violence.
According to Wiston, gender-based violence awareness is a continuous campaign. Last December, MIICO conducted a similar campaign for students from Form One to Form Five. This year, they returned to educate the newly admitted Form One students.
“This was part of our work plan since last year when we first visited Mbeya Day Secondary School. The school principal invited us again to educate the new students, as they missed out on such lessons in their previous schools,” Wiston said.
She emphasized that the education provided helps students recognize gender-based violence, identify warning signs, and understand where to report such incidents.
Mbeya Secondary School Administration’s Response
Mary Temba, the Deputy Principal of Mbeya Secondary School, expressed her gratitude to the Rural Women’s Forum and MIICO for educating the Form One students. She noted that these students are still young and need awareness about self-identity and gender-based violence.
“We request that you come again whenever possible because our students are still young and need this knowledge. Gender-based violence can occur at home, in school, or in the community, and such education helps them understand their rights and where to report abuse,” Temba stated.
She further encouraged other stakeholders to join in spreading awareness beyond Form One students, as the issue affects students at all levels.
The Role of the Police Gender and Children’s Desk
David Mtulo, Assistant Police Inspector and Head of the Gender and Children’s Desk in Mbeya City, explained that his unit within the police force is responsible for three key roles: providing gender-based violence education, investigating gender-related crimes such as rape, defilement, and sexual harassment, and offering counseling services to victims.
Mtulo emphasized that the police have partnered with organizations like MIICO to educate students on gender-based violence.
He highlighted the police campaign “Speak Up Before It’s Too Late,” launched in 2024, which targets Form One, Form Five, and first-year students in higher education institutions to ensure they are well-informed about gender-based violence.
“The police are committed to ongoing education in secondary schools, especially for Form One students, to help them understand their purpose in school and how to protect themselves from gender-based violence,” he said.
Mtulo also urged parents and guardians to take an active role in guiding and monitoring their children’s upbringing to prevent gender-based violence.
Mbeya Secondary School Students Speak Out
Debora Mwakimbombaki, a Form One student at Mbeya Secondary School, advised her peers to avoid engaging in adult activities that could have serious consequences at their young age.
“Today, we learned that an 80-year-old man impregnated a 14-year-old girl. I urge my fellow students to put God first and make wise choices in life,” she said.
She also expressed concerns that many children suffer abuse from their parents, who often return home late at night, leaving them without a chance to share their challenges.
Gabriel Iman, another Form One student, stated that gender-based violence is harmful because it affects victims psychologically. He urged his fellow students to protect themselves and report any cases of abuse.
