In the Shinyanga Region, sex workers are accused of draining men's pockets, and straining legal families during harvesting seasons. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In
the serene twilight of Bugweto B, the Mwayeni milling machine resonates with a
rhythmic hum, echoing through the bustling streets. Women from nearby
communities—Mwagala, Bugweto B, and Bugweto A—gather here, their presence a
testament to resilience amidst the daily rural grind.
In Sukuma tradition, these women
shoulder the weight of daily household chores—grinding grains, tending to
cattle, and foraging for firewood to sustain their families.
Ester Dwasi, a weary resident of
Bugweto B, pours out her heart about the seasonal trials she faces.
"During harvest, my husband disappears with all our earnings, cavorting
with other women," she confides, frustration evident in her voice. "What
can I do? He's grown accustomed to this... My health deteriorates, but he cares
little. It's a recurring nightmare each year."
Echoing Ester's anguish is Diana
Makoye from the Ibadakuli ward, who describes the emotional toll of harvest
season. "It's a time of tears for us mothers," Diana shares, her eyes
reflecting years of hardship.
"Our husbands vanish into
revelry, leaving us to manage alone. I worked tirelessly, harvesting 50 bags of
rice and 90 of maize, only to sell most of it. We're left with barely enough to
feed our families."
In the nearby village of
Mwamala, Salima Sosoma paints a grim picture of urban influence. "Urban
women disguise themselves as liquor vendors, offering their bodies for a sack
of rice or maize," Salima reveals, her tone a mix of indignation and sorrow.
"As Sukuma women, we lack a
voice against our men. Any protest is met with harsh punishment, witnessed by
our children."
Calls for government
intervention grow louder. "These city women exploit our harvests,"
Salima asserts, pleading for change.
Neema Ngusa, Zakia Makonda, and
Christina Maduhu add their voices to the outcry, condemning the rise of a
sex-for-food trade that worsens hunger in rural homes.
West Mwanda, an agriculture
officer emphasizes the need for a cultural shift. "Farmers must cease
trading grain for sexual favors," he urges sternly. "We must reserve
some for sustenance, not barter it away.
"Community initiatives to
combat prostitution during harvest are gaining traction, aiming to preserve
dignity and stability in rural households.
"This isn't just about
hunger," insists Ester Kenedy, amidst the backdrop of night-time revelry
in Mwamala. "These actions breed diseases like HIV/AIDS and fracture
families, leaving women and children vulnerable."
In the heart of Shinyanga, especially in Ibadakuli Ward, women face dire predicaments during harvest seasons. Photo: Courtesy
Despite persistent challenges,
signs of progress emerge. "We've made strides in curbing this
exploitation," reports Eva Mlowe, a Development Officer committed to
community welfare. Government support and local initiatives are pivotal in
safeguarding vulnerable families from exploitation.
In the rural wards of Didia and
Usule, local officials are intensifying efforts to combat the escalating threat
of gender-based violence during harvest seasons.
Led by Tinde Ward Social
Development Officer Eva Mlowe, these officials have implemented comprehensive
strategies to preserve family integrity and mitigate vulnerabilities
exacerbated by urban influences.
Mlowe emphasizes the pivotal
role of education in equipping community members to identify and resist
exploitative practices.
"Education is
crucial," Mlowe asserts. "It empowers our community to recognize and
confront exploitation effectively."
Community engagement initiatives
are equally vital. They foster solidarity among villagers, encouraging
collective action to shield households from external pressures while promoting
traditional values and bolstering women's empowerment. These efforts aim to
fortify resilience against the erosion of cultural norms and economic
stability.
Despite these proactive
measures, challenges persist across the broader region encompassing Shinyanga,
Kishapu, Igunga, and Nzega districts. Rural women continue to confront
multifaceted exploitation driven by urban practices that undermine their
traditional roles and economic autonomy.
The dynamics at play are
complex, rooted deeply in socioeconomic disparities exacerbated by urbanization
and globalization. Women, pivotal in agricultural production and household
management, find themselves increasingly marginalised and vulnerable during
critical periods such as harvests.
"The consequences are
profound," observes Mlowe. "Families dependent on agriculture face
increased vulnerability when resources are diverted through exploitative
practices, impacting health, education, and community stability."
Moreover, the encroachment of
urban practices threatens to erode longstanding social structures and
traditional values that have sustained these communities for generations.
Women, historically respected as custodians of cultural heritage and community
cohesion, face diminishing authority within their households.
Mlowe stresses the urgent
collective plea from rural communities: empower women to safeguard their
harvests and secure their families futures.
Sustainable development hinges
on addressing these systemic challenges through collaborative efforts involving
government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities.
In May 2024, the Shinyanga
Journalists Club emerged as a pivotal force in the battle against gender-based
violence (GBV) within the Shinyanga district, Tanzania.
Bolstered by the steadfast support of the
Women Fund Tanzania (WFT-Trust), this club has not only shed light on the stark
realities of GBV but also sparked transformative change within the community.
Edmund Ardon, District Social
Development Officer, praised the club's efforts, recognizing journalists as
crucial catalysts for societal transformation. He remarked, "The Shinyanga
Journalists Club has wielded its influence effectively, significantly reducing
GBV across our region."
Led by Ngassa Mboje, Chairman of
the Shinyanga District Council, the club has galvanized collective action
against GBV. Mboje emphasized the need for stakeholders and journalists to
unite in this ongoing struggle, stating, "Collaborative action is essential
to combating GBV and safeguarding our communities."
Glory Mbia, Coordinator of the
Women Fund Tanzania in Shinyanga, celebrated the tangible impact of the club's
initiatives, noting, "Since its inception, we've seen a notable decline in
GBV cases, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Shinyanga Journalists
Club."
Greyson Kakuru, Chairperson of
the Shinyanga Journalists Club, expressed gratitude to WFT-Trust for their
unwavering support, highlighting their joint efforts in publishing 355 articles
over three years. Kakuru emphasized, "These articles have catalyzed
positive change, reducing instances of GBV and empowering survivors."
The club's flagship project,
"Communities and Media in Ending Violence against Women and
Children," aligns with national and global goals, focusing on amplifying
women's and children's voices.
Kakuru announced the establishment of the
Tanzania Network of Journalists on Gender Violence (TAJOGEV), a milestone
initiative aimed at expanding anti-GBV efforts nationwide.
Press clubs like the one in
Shinyanga are pivotal in championing accountability, transparency, and social
justice.
Through their dedicated
reporting and advocacy, these journalists reshape narratives and challenge
oppressive systems, paving the way for a future of equality and dignity for
all.
To maximize their impact, press
clubs and NGOs in Shinyanga are addressing cultural norms and societal
attitudes perpetuating violence. By engaging in targeted awareness campaigns,
strengthening legal frameworks, and collaborating with grassroots organizations
and community leaders, they tackle the root causes of GBV and foster a culture
of respect and gender equality.
Inspired by successful models
like Rwanda Men's Resource Center (RWAMREC), these organisations aim to engage
men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms.
Through workshops, community
outreach, and media campaigns, they promote positive masculinity and encourage
male allies in the fight against GBV.
Moving forward, effective
interventions must encompass robust educational programs promoting gender
equality, economic empowerment initiatives diversifying income sources, and
legal protections safeguarding women's rights.
In the heart of Shinyanga,
especially in Ibadakuli Ward, women face dire predicaments during harvest
seasons. Exploitation and gender-based violence loom large, exacerbated by
urban influences that threaten their cultural fabric and economic stability.
Despite these challenges, the
relentless efforts of local initiatives like the Shinyanga Journalists Club
offer hope. By amplifying voices, exposing truths, and advocating for change,
they pave the way for a future where women can thrive with dignity and
security.
Strengthening community
resilience and preserving cultural integrity are not just aspirations but
imperatives in safeguarding the livelihoods of Shinyanga's women and building a
sustainable future for all.