A Study of the drivers of violence against children and positive change in Tanzania and Zanzibar

In 2014–2015, UNICEF Tanzania, in collaboration with the Government through the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, commissioned a study on the ways in which socio-cultural norms and practices in Tanzania give rise to different forms of violence against children and examined effective strategies to challenge and change these. The study was undertaken by the Centre for Applied Childhood Studies, University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom, working in partnership with Mzumbe University in Tanzania. It used qualitative research methodologies to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying issues and dynamics that drive widespread violence against children in Tanzanian society and how this affects the provision of a protective environment for children. The study built on the 2011 National Tanzanian Violence Against Children Survey, with the aim of informing programme work to combat violence against children.

The findings highlight the need for parents to adopt more positive parenting practices, and for communities to be both more aware of practices that cause harm to children and have the capacity to prevent and respond effectively to those behaviours. Moreover, girls and boys need to be empowered to manage the risks and challenges they face, and given a voice so that their opinions and rights are respected.