A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA) of
Mzumbe University
The main objective of the study was to examine what is being done by Tanzania
LGAs in protecting women from domestic violence. The study aimed at examining
what kind of Domestic Violence against Women is more rampant and how do Local
Government Authorities Address Domestic Violence, and the challenges they face in
protecting Women against Domestic Violence.
The researcher deployed a case study research design to examine what is being done
by local government authorities in protecting women against domestic violence
within Kinondoni municipality. The study involved 115 respondents from the
designated special desks police officers, social workers and affected women and
men. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect primary and
secondary data. The study used questionnaires, interviews and documentary review
in particular. The findings of the study revealed that domestic violence is rampant
within Kinondoni Municipality and it affects more women and children compared to
men.
On the other hand, LGAs are not actively engaged in the protection of women
against domestic violence and this is attributed to little resources including the
budget, lack of a clear platform and engagement between the LGAs and women
based civil society organizations. This being the case, little has been done by such
authorities through to police units and social workers working on domestic violence.
It was reported that most of the affected women are still hesitating on reporting the
incidences. Women’s fear of being continuously beaten up, to lose their marriages
and parenthood to their children as well as losing their right of share to matrimonial
property.
The study recommends on strengthening women committees at the community level,
allocation of more funds and training of social workers and designated gender desk
police officers towards provision of protection against domestic violence education.