Tanzania is set to join the rest of the world in marking the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, with Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dkt. Dorothy Gwajima, calling for greater investment in girls. During her visit to the Dar es Salaam Girls' School, Gwajima emphasized that every girl has the right to grow up in a safe environment, access education, develop her talents, participate in decisions affecting her life, and pursue her dreams.
The 2026 celebrations will be held under the international theme, "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights!", which calls for stronger efforts to protect girls from child marriage, violence, and abuse. Gwajima stressed that investing in girls is an investment in human capital and the sustainable development of the country, noting that girls should be supported to reach their full potential. This, she believes, will contribute to building the Tanzania envisioned under the National Development Vision 2050.
According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Mainland Tanzania had 29,365,234 children below the age of 18, including 14,680,895 girls, accounting for nearly half of all children in that age group. Gwajima called on parents and guardians to ensure girls attend and remain in school, while teachers and school leaders were urged to create safe and child-friendly learning environments. This will enable girls to benefit from education and reach their full potential.
The Minister also urged religious, traditional, and community leaders to help challenge harmful traditions and attitudes that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. Statistics presented in Parliament show that between July 2024 and April 2025, a total of 7,278 child survivors were reported and received services through Police Gender and Children Desks across the country. Of these, 5,905 were girls and 1,373 were boys.
Despite a decline in reported rape cases from 8,185 in 2023 to 7,670 in 2024, and defilement cases dropping from 2,382 to 1,930 during the same period, Gwajima stressed that the figures should not be a reason for complacency. She called for continued efforts to prevent violence, encourage reporting, provide support to survivors, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. This will ensure that girls are protected from violence and abuse.
Gwajima also urged parents, teachers, and communities to ensure girls benefit from technology while being protected from risks associated with the internet and social media. Empowering girls through education, protection, and opportunities will contribute to building a stronger Tanzania in the future. She called on Tanzanians to invest in girls' education, health, safety, talents, and leadership, stressing that protecting and empowering girls today is essential.
Key points
- The Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dkt. Dorothy Gwajima, has called for increased investment in girls' education, safety, health, and development ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11.
- The 2026 International Day of the Girl Child celebrations will be held under the theme "End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights!", calling for stronger efforts to protect girls from child marriage, violence, and abuse.
- According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Mainland Tanzania had 14,680,895 girls below the age of 18, accounting for nearly half of all children in that age group.
