Tanzania has made significant strides in protecting children’s rights, yet challenges remain, particularly in combating child marriage and ensuring access to education. Despite legislative efforts and advocacy, many Tanzanian children, especially girls, continue to face obstacles that hinder their development and well-being.
Child marriage
One of the most pressing issues is child marriage. Although Tanzania’s Law of Marriage Act of 1971 allows girls to marry at 14 with court approval and at 15 with parental consent, there has been growing pressure to raise the legal marriage age to 18 without exceptions. This change is crucial to protect young girls from early and forced marriages, which often lead to early pregnancies, health complications, and the truncation of educational opportunities.
Girls’ education
In recent years, Tanzania has seen robust advocacy from local and international organizations calling for stronger legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to end child marriage. Campaigns such as “Keep Girls in School” emphasize the importance of education in empowering girls and breaking the cycle of poverty and early marriage.
Education is a critical area where Tanzania has made progress but still faces challenges. The government introduced free primary education in 2002 and extended it to secondary education in 2015.
However, issues such as inadequate school facilities, teacher shortages, and cultural norms continue to limit educational access for many children, particularly in rural areas. Efforts to improve school infrastructure, train more teachers, and change societal attitudes toward girls’ education are essential to ensuring that all children can benefit from their right to education.
Child labour
Child labor is another significant issue in Tanzania. Despite laws prohibiting child labor, many children are still engaged in hazardous work, particularly in agriculture, mining, and domestic servitude. Strengthening enforcement of child labor laws and providing alternative economic opportunities for families are critical steps in addressing this issue.
Healthcare
Tanzania has also made strides in healthcare for children, with improvements in vaccination rates and child mortality. However, malnutrition and access to healthcare services remain concerns, especially in remote areas. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and programs targeting maternal and child health are necessary to sustain and build on these gains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Tanzania has made commendable efforts to protect children’s rights, continued advocacy, legal reforms, and societal change are needed to address ongoing challenges.
Ensuring that children are protected from early marriage, have access to quality education, and are free from exploitative labor requires a collective effort from the government, communities, and international partners.
By prioritizing children’s rights, Tanzania can pave the way for a healthier, more educated, and empowered generation.
By Juma Mwamba