Organized and gendered media advocacy at the centre of the feminist movement in a patriarchal Tanzania

Abstract

Feminist movements are not a new phenomenon. Yet, there is much to learn from countryspecific movements and in particular the ones in Africa. This study uses qualitative survey to study the role of feminist movement in Tanzania. It has been revealed that Tanzanian women advocacy non-governmental organizations (NGOs), at the core of the movement, have been playing a key role in addressing women’s needs since the early 1990s, following developments in media and increased freedom of speech. Consequently, the movement has laid a solid gender-sensitive foundation for the entire nation. The current achievement would not have been possible without a unique and specific commitment of Tanzanian women NGOs and Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) in particular. In an attempt to achieve gender equity, TAMWA has challenged and reshaped patriarchal government policies and laws of the ruling elites and their regime with assistance of gender-empowered media advocacy. Nonetheless, TAMWA and other women advocate NGOs, as key stakeholders of the feminist movement, must continue the fight in all spheres so that a gender-sensitive government that is equally responsible to men and women is created and sustained.

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“…Yet, the findings of this study highlight that GRB remains partially institutionalized in the government budgetary structures. The findings are consistent with past research (Madaha, 2014a(Madaha, , 2014b. The implementation of GRB in Tanzania remains at an infancy stage.…”

“…Although Ng (2016) highlights that GRB receives some support from national governments, it is not the case at least in the Tanzanian context (Madaha, 2014a(Madaha, , 2014b. In this regard, GRB, as a practice, is a subject of another study.…”

“…Structural weaknesses inherent in the majority of governments of the world often times deny marginalized people including women access to key resources (see (Madaha, 2014a(Madaha, , 2014bNg, 2016;Sharp, 2003;UNDP, 2005).…”

Women’s Tears or Coffee Blight? Gender Dynamics and Livelihood Strategies in Contexts of Agricultural Transformation in Tanzania

“…Yet, this economic change is not necessarily socially progressive for women. Women’s status is still marginal and precarious, particularly in more patriarchal contexts (Madaha, 2014). In some instances, women in Tanzania, who in recent years have gained rights to land and access to assets due to local change in cultures and norms, report an improvement in their general position in society as well as empowerment and political strength (Goldman et al, 2016).…”

Factors for Joining Village Community Networks in Tanzania

“…Thirdly, some Tanzanian women seek membership in networks to access resources such as knowledge, skills, and competencies (see (Madaha, 2020;Madaha, 2021;Madaha, 2014;Mallya, 2005;Tripp et al, 2009)). Madaha (2014) highlights the Tanzanian women have facilitated the creation of a formal structured movement to address gender issues. Mallya (2005) learned that Tanzanian women network to access finance resources, expert personnel, increased legitimacy, and wider media coverage.…”