Effectiveness of Police Gender Desks in the Protection of the Victims of Gender Based Violence in Tanzania: A Case of Ilemela District

Abstract

This study discussed the Effectiveness of Police Gender Desks in the Protection of the Victims of Gender Based Violence in Ilemela District, Tanzania. The study sought to determine if the gender desks were effective since the GBV cases were on the rise. Ilemela district was used as a case study strategy because it has several gender desks and it has a many forms of violence incidences compared to other districts around Mwanza Region. The study used a qualitative approach, where semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion were employed to collect data. Moreover, the study was conducted by using descriptive research design to draw different perception of the participant and used thematic analysis to analyze the obtained information. The study findings reveal that, even though Police Gender desk in Ilemela district was formed to serve women and children, who might not be aware of their rights, either because of ignorance, religion or fear of their community, majority of victims reported to get good services and support from gender desk police officers. Participant interviewed reported that Police gender desk at Ilemela District provides good services to the victim however they had not been effective to prevent and combat women gender based violence due to various challenges which include fear of the women to report the incidences, ignorance, norms, tradition, and religions. The study recommends the Government, NGOs and other stakeholders to provide adequate knowledge to members that help them to disclose their problems hence get assistance.