To curb gender violence in the Dar es Salaam market places, over 40 non-governmental organisations have teamed up together supporting the move. The move was in support of the NGO Equality for Growth (EfG), who’s GBV operations were confined within Temeke Stereo, Tabata, Musilimu, Kisutu and Ferry markets in Ilala and Temeke Districts.
According to the NGO Project Head Ms Susan Sita, “Involving other organisations seemed good. Our operations now cover the entire region and since then four institutions have confirmed to have started working instantly in Magomeni and Tandale markets in Kinondoni district.”
Ms Susan clarified that it was during a meeting which was organised by EfG when her NGO came across women who were the victims of serious abuse and many were still falling prey to GBV. She further said that involvement of activists was aimed at giving strength and more teeth to fight the war (against GBV) and increasing productivity for personal and national development. The meeting was also called specifically to recruit more activists into the fold of Mpe Riziki si Matusi technique now gaining traction within the city’s markets and elsewhere.
EfG Executive Director Ms Jane Magigita says, “Despite remarkable response from central and local government authorities, leaders of the markets, there was still need for continuous awareness campaigns because these places receive newcomers every day.”
She also acknowledged the efforts made by the law-enforcement authorities, describing such ‘accountability’ as really the most powerful weapon in the fight.” Pugu Poverty Alleviation and Development Agency (PPADA) were among the 40 NGOs who have joined hands in support of this move.
Executive Director Mr Abraham Silumbu said, “Joining hands was the best that could happen to the fight against GBV. Teaming up is already proving positive, even if not all institutions will have started operations.”
