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Articles · Vol. 14 No. 1 (2010): African Sociological Review · Pages 84-101

Understanding Gender-based Violence: Evidence from Kilimanjaro Assessment of Rombo and Moshi Rural

  • Jane Saffitz
    Jane Saffitz
    School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York E-mail address: jls2240@columbia.edu.
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Vol. 14 · 2010 No. 1 African Sociological Review ASR

Abstract

This paper presents findings from an empirical study on the prevalence and beliefs surrounding
gender-based violence (gBv) in the Kilimanjaro region. The analysis and ensuing discussion is the
result of a representative sample of adults (n=384) surveyed in two districts, Rombo and Moshi
Rural, in Kilimanjaro, tanzania. In contrast to previous research of a similar nature, which has
focused primarily on the frequency of violence, this study devotes significant atten- tion
discerning the level of social acceptability among its victims and perpetrators situated in a legal
and cultural framework. I find that alcohol consumption and the number of deceased children within a household have a direct correlation to incidences of gBv while an indi- vidual’s level of
education and degree of financial independence are inversely related to rates of violence. The
influence of bride price and polygamy is inconclusive. finally, I find that although a portion of
the population believes women should have decision-making capabilities, patri- archal institutions and a culture that relegates women as inferior have a significant impact on individual attitudes among men and women to preserve the status quo. These results suggest a greater need to promote a culture of egalitarianism in a sensitive and relevant manner.

Understanding Gender-based Violence: Evidence from Kilimanjaro Assessment of Rombo and Moshi Rural

Cet article présente les résultats d'une étude empirique sur la prévalence et les croyances entourant la violence basée sur le genre (VBg) dans la région du Kilimandjaro. L'analyse et la discussion qui a suivi sont le résultat d'un échantillon représentatif d'adultes (n = 384) interrogés dans deux districts, Rombo et Moshi Rural, au Kilimandjaro, en Tanzanie. Contrairement aux recherches antérieures de même nature, qui se sont concentrées principalement sur la fréquence de la violence, cette étude consacre une attention particulière
à discerner le niveau d'acceptabilité sociale de ses victimes et de ses auteurs situé dans un cadre juridique et culturel. Je trouve que la consommation d'alcool et le nombre d'enfants décédés dans
un ménage ont une corrélation directe avec les incidences de VBG tandis que le niveau d' éducation et le degré d'indépendance financière d'un individu sont inversement liés aux taux de violence. L'influence du prix de la mariée et de la polygamie n'est pas concluante. enfin, je trouve que même si une partie de la population croit que les femmes devraient avoir des capacités de prise de décision, les institutions patriarcales
et une culture qui relèguent les femmes comme inférieures ont un impact significatif sur les attitudes individuelles
des hommes et des femmes pour préserver le statu quo. Ces résultats suggèrent un plus grand besoin de promouvoir uneculture de l'égalitarisme de manière sensible et pertinente.

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Author Biography

  • Jane Saffitz

    School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York E-mail address: jls2240@columbia.edu.

References

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