The Tanzanian government has launched a call to action ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, which will be observed on October 11, 2026. Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, emphasized the importance of protecting and empowering girls. She urged parents and guardians to provide girls with the support and upbringing they need to reach their full potential. This includes ensuring access to education and safe environments.
Dr Gwajima stressed that investing in girls goes beyond providing access to education. It also involves protecting them from violence, abuse, discrimination, and practices that could disrupt their education and jeopardize their future. The minister encouraged girls to work hard in their studies, set ambitious goals, and believe in themselves. She also urged them to develop their talents and skills, and use technology and social media safely and constructively.
The minister urged girls not to accept child marriage, violence, abuse, or pressure from others that could force them to drop out of school or abandon their aspirations. She encouraged children facing challenges to report them to their parents, guardians, teachers, community leaders, or relevant authorities. This would enable them to receive appropriate assistance and protection.
Dr Gwajima also called on journalists to continue educating the public and challenging cultural practices, traditions, and attitudes that may undermine girls or prevent them from reaching their full potential. The media has an important role to play in raising awareness about children’s rights and the consequences of child marriage and violence against children.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Advocate Amon Mpanju, echoed the government's commitment to working with education stakeholders, families, communities, and relevant institutions. The goal is to ensure girls have opportunities to continue their education and are protected from child marriage, violence, abuse, and discrimination.
The government's efforts aim to create safe environments that enable girls to achieve their aspirations. The International Day of the Girl Child will be observed under the theme “Invest in Girls: End Child Marriage.” This theme highlights the importance of investing in girls' education and well-being.
The Tanzanian government is working to strengthen efforts to protect and empower girls. Key stakeholders, including parents, guardians, and the media, are being urged to play a role in ending child marriage and promoting girls' education.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has called on parents and guardians to protect and empower girls by ensuring access to education and safe environments.
- The International Day of the Girl Child will be observed on October 11, 2026, under the theme “Invest in Girls: End Child Marriage.”
- The government is working with stakeholders to ensure girls have opportunities to continue their education and are protected from child marriage, violence, abuse, and discrimination.
