Human Rights of Women
Source: Tanzania Daily News
THE draft Union constitution has significant sections on the rights of women and children. Sections 31, 43, and 47 indicate a cheery future for women and children, should the much awaited document be approved.
The cited sections propose freedom of information, child rights, and women rights, respectively, which responds to the calls for increased freedom of information, and end to children and women abuse.
Women activists in Zanzibar say that the proposals by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) on issues of freedom of information and protection of children and women are encouraging.
"We ask members of 'constituent assembly' to discuss the proposals and approve so that Tanzania becomes the best place for children and women," said Ms Shifa Ibuni, coordinator of the project to sensitize women on the importance taking part in the constitution making process.
The project is supported by Ford Foundation. Ms Ibuni said that people should be encouraged to report any abuse and violation of human rights, taking place in family and villages. However, she concurred that the constitution draft was not clear on 'women leadership'.
"There is no clear section about promoting women to leadership positions. We ask members of 'special assembly' to make sure that the constitution clearly guarantees women in political leadership," said Ms Ibuni. Ms Asha Bakari said that promoting women in leadership is another option for fighting women abuse.
She asked the media to help in lobbying political parties, NGOs, and CBOs so that their members to form the constituent assembly take women's demand seriously for the development of the country. Ms Rahma Suleiman, a reporter, argues that the new Constitution should have clauses that define the position of women in politics, society and the economy.
She said men should practically also show that they support women's movement for more rights mainly in leadership, as she appealed to women to read and understand the constitution draft so that they can identify areas which need improvement.
"Women feel afraid to take part in discussion and elections just because most men are still practically reluctant to support women. Men discourage women who show up." Ms Khadija Ali from Unguja West district says that women involvement in leadership remains crucial in promoting women's rights.