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This study was conducted in Serengeti District to assess the extent to which women
empowerment is linked to Gender Based Violence (GBV). Specifically, the study
examined the extent ofGBV in the area, the attitude ofthe communities towards GBV and
the responses of women during and after GBV. The study also sought to establish the
linkage between socio-economic status and GBV as well as the linkage between women
empowerment and GBV. Serengeti District was purposively selected to be the study area
because of having a high level of GBV as opposed to other districts of Mara region. Three
divisions were purposively selected while four wards and two villages from each ward
were randomly selected to make a total of 8 villages for the study. Data were collected
between August 2007 and June 2009. A total of 240 women selected randomly were
subjected to a questionnaire survey. Other data were collected through focus group
discussions and indepth interviews. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics
applied. Based on the findings, various forms of GBV were found to be practiced in the
attitude, both victims; and perpetrators of GBV had positive perception towards GBV.
Furthermore, GBV was influenced by empowerment indicators such as decision making at
to all women regardless of socio economic status. However, findings of the study
revealed that as economic status of women improves the level of GBV decreases. It is
concluded that improving women’s socio-economic status and decision making through
awareness creation would reduce GBV in the area. Additionally, increasing the age of
girls at first marriage would eventually reduce GBV. It is, therefore, recommended that
social and economic empowerment is needed to relieve women from GBV. A revision of various laws such as the Marriage Act of 1971 which allow marriage of young girls of 15
years old is required which would increase the age of women at first marriage and reduce
GBV. Enacting of bylaws to fight against some of the outdated cultural norms is
recommended as a strategy towards elimination of early pregnancies and marriage of
young girls. Awareness creation to both men and women in the area is needed in order to
change their perceptions towards some ofthe cultural practices like marriage between two
women, paying of bride price and ritual cleansing. |
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