Source: The Citizen
Though Tanzanians have a reputation for being peace-loving, this does not appear to apply on the domestic front. Society can thrive only when members of each basic unit—the family—support, love, understand and care for each other.

Yet intimate partner violence, physical aggression, forced intercourse, early child marriage and human trafficking are still part of the fabric of our society. A recent study by the World Health Organisation reveals that 48 per cent of Tanzanian women have experienced violence in their lifetime.

About one third of them told no one of their experience and 60 per cent had not sought help from any formal service or authority. The majority of women remain in violent relationships because leaving would mean losing their children, homes and other property.

Another study carried out in Moshi between 2002 and 2003 found that 21 per cent of 1,444 women interviewed were threatened with physical abuse or coerced into intercourse by a partner.Analysis of intimate partnerships reveals that the violence emerges from deeper cultural assumptions about women and their place within relationships, families and communities.

We are delighted to hear that the ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children has formed a special committee to tackle this social malady.This notwithstanding, a national awareness campaign is required to root out the oppressive mindset that treats women so contemptuously.

• Tanzania