In Tanzania, the principle of equality before the law is enshrined in the Constitution, guaranteeing that all persons are equal under the law and entitled to equal protection and benefit without discrimination based on race, religion, or gender.
Rule of Law and Discrimination
The rule of law demands that all subjects should be treated equally before the law. This means all classes of people in civil society should be treated alike by the law itself and by the law enforcement bodies and agencies created by the law.
The law should neither be made to benefit a particular section of society nor disadvantage another.
Discrimination can be based on gender or status.
- In this context, gender refers to discrimination against women.
- Status denotes persons who are praised by society due to the positions they occupy, their careers, or wealth.
Furthermore, the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, 1977, prohibits any form of discrimination.
Gender Discrimination
Gender inequality in Tanzania is a complex issue that encompasses customary law, Islamic law, and gaps in education, employment, health, and access to assets.
The most problematic areas concerning equality are the application of customary law and Islamic law, where women are seriously disadvantaged in relation to:
- Ownership of property
- Inheritance
- Custody of children
In these areas, men are given preference simply for being men.
Education
- Many girls drop out of secondary school due to early pregnancy or menstruation.
- Women have similar access to primary education as men but fewer opportunities in the workforce.
Employment
- Women are less likely to be employed than men.
- However, they are more likely to work in informal employment.
Health
- Women have less access to reproductive health information and services.
- Nevertheless, they are more likely to experience physical and sexual violence from intimate partners.
Access to Assets
- Women are less likely to own land, motor vehicles, or other assets.
- Female-headed households are less likely to own assets.
Conclusion
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has taken steps to promote gender equality by:
- Launching more girls’ schools
- Establishing more health centres for women’s clinics
- Most importantly, establishing the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups
Tanzania ranks among the best-performing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa for gender equality.
