Tarime, Mara Region, Tanzania – February 8, 2025 – A groundbreaking step towards enhancing the protection and rights of women and girls, particularly women and girls with disabilities, was taken today by launching the Tarime One Stop Centre (OSC), the first of its kind in the district.
The OSC provides comprehensive, survivor-centered services for those affected by gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). It ensures access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and referral services under one roof, prioritizing dignity and empowerment for survivors, including persons with disabilities.
The launch was officiated by Honourable Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, who underscored the Centre’s role in combating GBV, child marriage, and FGM in Tanzania.
“Today marks a critical milestone in our collective fight against gender-based violence and discrimination. The Tarime One Stop Centre is not just a building; it is a safe space for survivors to seek justice, healing, and empowerment,” said Minister Dr. Gwajima.
UNFPA’s Mark Bryan Schreiner, Representative for Tanzania, emphasized that the launch of this Centre represents a major step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to protect the rights of women and girls, including those with disabilities.
“Through our collaborative efforts, we have made significant strides, but the work is far from done. The Tarime One Stop Centre will play a key role in providing survivors with comprehensive care and ensuring their dignity and well-being,” said Schreiner.
Addressing Urgent Issues in Mara Region
Mara Region faces some of Tanzania’s highest rates of violence against women and girls. The Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2022 reports that 66% of ever-married women aged 15-49 have experienced intimate partner violence. Additionally, 38% of women aged 20-24 were married before 18, and 28% of girls have undergone FGM, ranking Mara third in the country.
Social and cultural norms often prevent women from seeking help, with 58.6% of survivors never reporting violence. Many cite a lack of support and services as the main reason. By offering essential services, including STI/HIV screening, emergency contraceptives, GBV-related medical care, psychological counseling, and legal aid, the OSC provides a much-needed avenue for survivors, challenging harmful norms and ensuring survivors receive proper care and justice.
Collective Efforts and Community Engagement
The launch event was organized as part of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM commemoration, which carried the theme “STEPPING UP THE PACE: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM.” This highlights the urgency of partnerships among grassroots activists, communities, governments, and organizations.
UNFPA’s Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu / My Rights My Choices Programme has fostered a powerful network of local partners, including community development officers, schools, adolescent girls, men and boys, traditional and faith leaders, women and children protection committees, organization of persons with disabilities and local media, all working together to increase community awareness of the rights of women and girls and support survivors. These collective efforts are changing harmful social norms and behavior and creating an enabling environment where survivors’ are informed about their rights to seek and receive quality support without risking revictimization, ensuring that the Tarime One Stop Centre is fully utilized.
“The Tarime One Stop Centre is a reflection of our shared vision for a future where all women and girls can live free from violence, abuse, and harmful practices.” said H.E Theresa Zitting, the Ambassador of Finland to Tanzania
Testimonials from Survivors
Rhoda Waitara, a 17-year-old survivor of FGM from Mara, shared her hope for the future:
“I was scared for my future and didn't know where to go for help. The opening of this Centre gives me hope. I now know that I can get support to heal from the pain of what I went through.”
A person with albinism, Mohammed Salum, 21 Years old, also expressed his gratitude for the inclusive approach of the Centre:
“As someone with a disability, I sometimes feel invisible in the fight for rights. But today, with the opening of this Centre, I feel seen. The support is available for everyone, and it gives me hope for a better future.”
Strengthening the Way Forward
The National Plan of Action to End Violence against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC) 2024/2025–2028/2029 sees the government commit to cutting violence against women and children in half by 2029. UNFPA and its partners are supporting the government's implementation, ensuring that policies translate into tangible actions that improve the lives of women and children across Tanzania.
“We must act with urgency,” said H.E Theresa Zitting, the Ambassador of Finland to Tanzania, “Finland is committed to ensuring that women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, have the right to make decisions regarding their own bodies and live a life free of violence and harmful practices.”
A Call to Action
The launch of the Tarime One Stop Centre is a powerful reminder of what is possible when governments, international partners, and communities come together in the fight for the rights of women and girls. The collaboration and investment in strengthening the capacity of service providers and raising awareness of gender equality will continue to shape a brighter future for survivors across the country.
This Centre was made possible through the Chaguo Langu Haki Yangu - My Choice My Rights programme, a partnership between UNFPA Tanzania, the President’s Office - Regional Administration and Local Government, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, the Disability Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Health, with generous support from the Government of Finland.
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Media Inquiries:
Dr. Warren Bright,
UNFPA Communications Analyst,
United Republic of Tanzania
Mobile: +255 764 43 44 45
Email: bwarren@unfpa.org
