The Tanzania Police Force has stepped up efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) by partnering with Chamwino Arts Centre (CAC) to raise public awareness during the 17th Cigogo Music Festival in Dodoma Region.
Speaking at the opening of the three-day festival, the Head of the Gender and Children's Desk for Kigoma Region, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Michael Mjema, urged Tanzanians to reject all forms of gender-based violence, warning that the crime threatens the safety and wellbeing of entire communities.
"Gender-based violence affects everyone and leaves no one safe. We call on all citizens to abandon such acts and work together to build a peaceful and secure society," ASP Mjema said.
He said the Police Force was using the popular cultural festival as part of its community policing strategy to educate the public on preventing and reporting gender-based violence.
ASP Mjema explained that officers from Gender and Children's Desks across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar are currently in Dodoma for their annual national meeting.
As part of the gathering, police leadership directed participants to conduct awareness campaigns throughout Dodoma Region, reaching communities from district level down to divisions, wards, villages and hamlets.
He said the Cigogo Music Festival was chosen because it attracts thousands of participants from Chamwino District, across Dodoma Region and neighbouring areas, providing an effective platform to reach large audiences with key public safety messages.
"The partnership between the Police Force and Chamwino Arts Centre has enabled us to engage thousands of people with vital information on gender-based violence. The response from the public has been encouraging, and we believe this knowledge will help build safer communities. A Dodoma free from gender-based violence is achievable," he said.
The awareness sessions covered the different forms of gender-based violence, its impact on individuals and families, reporting procedures, the role of Gender and Children's Desks, the importance of preserving evidence at crime scenes, and the responsibilities of witnesses in supporting investigations and prosecutions.
ASP Mjema stressed that ending gender-based violence requires strong cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies, adding that the Police Force remains committed to working with partners such as Chamwino Arts Centre to expand public education and strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable groups across Tanzania.
