'Constitution needs to clarify GBV penalties'

♠ Posted by Unknown in NATIONAL NEWS at 11:58 PM

People demanding new constitution before 2015 election.

The new constitution must bear clear description gender based violence (GBV) and list subsequent punishment for all GBV related cases, stakeholders have demanded.

 

Speaking during a function held in honour of the International Women’s Day coordinated by the Women's Legal Aid Centre (WLAC), Chairperson of Jipange Women group dedicated to advocating and fighting against gender violence in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam, Janeth Mawinza said by clearly specifying GBV and related punishment in the new constitution the nation asserts its commitment to address the GBV.

 

Other than advocate for inclusion in the new constitution, Jipange group backed by WLAC support is planning to launch a door to door campaign to educate men in the district to join the war against gender violence.

 

“Through the campaign we are going to visit all men at home, at their work places,  bus stations  and wherever else we can find them to make sure they are informed on  gender issues and their part in it,’’ she said.

 

Mawinza suggested the constitution take into account maternal health issues to improve maternal health care in the country.

 

 “The move will help to reduce maternal deaths resulting from poor and unsafe delivery environments …if clarified in the constitution as a primary right for each woman in the country it then much needed resources will be devoted to solving related problems,’’ she said.

 

World Health Organisation (WHO) 2009/10 Demographic and Health Survey report that every year, 454 women die from pregnancy related complications for every 100,000 live births.
 

Low availability of emergency obstetric and new born care services, chronic shortage of skilled health providers together with a weak referral system contribute to the observed high maternal deaths.

 

Jipange has so far reported six cases related to gender violence to various organisations responsible to provide legal aid services as well as advocacy.

 

“Also we have managed to file two cases with the courts and we provide temporally shelter to the victims of gender violence together with solving a number of related cases,’’ Mawinza said 

 

According to the government report, gender-based violence in the country results from norms and social and economic inequalities, that gives privilege to men over women.
 

Meanwhile, in celebrating Women’s Day, WLAC provided legal aid services and human rights education to a number of women in Bagamoyo District and in the Coast region advocating for an end to all forms of gender-based violence in the district.