Binti Shupavu | Gender Based Violence (GBV) & Violence Against Children (VAC) Sessions | June 16th 2025

According to the Tanzania Crime and Traffic Statistics Report (2024), a total of 39,256 people in Tanzania reported being victims of gender-based violence (GBV), compared to 37,448 victims in 2023. This represents an increase of 4.83%, meaning 1,808 more people experienced GBV in 2024 than in the previous year.

The report also shows that violence against children increased by 1.1%. In 2023, 15,301 cases were reported, while in 2024 the number rose to 15,474. Of these, 12,644 were girls, and 1,624 students were impregnated, a situation that often forces girls out of school, as pregnant students in Tanzania are not allowed to continue attending formal classes, limiting their future opportunities.

It is important to note that these figures represent only reported cases. Many incidents of violence go unreported due to factors such as lack of awareness about reporting channels, stigma, fear, or limited access to support services.

Violence takes many forms, including rape, child marriage, harmful practices like FGM, and physical or psychological abuse. Its impact goes far beyond physical scars, leaving invisible wounds that affect confidence, dreams, and opportunities. Cases of violence continue to rise, often because people are unaware of what constitutes violence or choose to ignore the issue. Amid this darkness, the resilience of survivors who speak out, communities that take action, and children who dare to dream beyond their pain reminds us that courage can shine even through the deepest wounds. Their stories are not only about suffering—they are about strength, survival, and hope for change.

At GLAMI, we believe that when a girl is aware of violence, she is better equipped to recognize it and know where and how to report it, empowering her to thrive and pursue her dreams. That is why we conduct Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC) sessions at least twice a year. Our recent session with Binti Shupavu Scholars was highly engaging, as we continued to build awareness among all our scholars, from understanding what constitutes violence, to knowing how to report it, and learning how to support one another.

Normally, our Social Workers facilitate these sessions with support from our Mentors, creating a safe space for girls to learn and engage. Speaking out against violence is never easy. For many girls, their voices were once whispers of fear, hidden under shame and silence. Today, those same whispers rise as bold voices, demanding an end to GBV and VAC. What stands out most is their courage, the bravery to share the truth despite stigma, judgment, or threats.

Naomi, a Binti Shupavu Scholar, shared during the session: “Our voices are our shield, and silence brings even more suffering. That is why I choose to speak up, to protect all girls and children.”

Many girls draw strength from role models: a mother who refused to be silenced, a teacher who protected her student, and former scholars, young women who once stood where they are today and continue to speak out so that today’s girls can be braver, louder, and safer. These role models remind us that every act of protection, no matter how small, can spark the courage to speak out.

Jessica, a Binti Year 1 Scholar, shared: “At first, I thought my voice was too small, so I never spoke up about abuse. But after being educated about gender-based violence and violence against children, I realized that if I stay silent, the abuse will continue, but if I speak out, I can create change.” Zuhura added: “When I say choose love, I mean choosing a life free from violence, a life with respect for everyone, and a community that stands together to protect our dreams. By choosing love, we say NO to gender-based violence and violence against children.”

By raising our voices together, we show that the dreams of girls, children, and communities cannot be silenced by violence. Every story shared, every act of courage, and every role model who inspires the next generation becomes a spark that lights the way forward. Education, hope, and the bravery to speak out against any form of violence are not just tools of survival, they are the foundation for lasting change.

When one girl speaks out, she does not stand alone; she carries the strength of many and opens doors for those who will follow. Let us be the voices for girls whose voices are not heard, and speak up for those who cannot. Let us protect one another, because violence that is not addressed destroys hope, breaks families and communities, and keeps the cycle going.

Let us rise, stand together, and speak boldly for change.

“Silence hides violence, but voices spark change.”

Note: The names of participants have been changed to protect their privacy in accordance with child protection policies.