Sexual harassment and gender-based violence in Tanzania’s public service: A study among employees in Mtwara Region and Dar es Salaam
International Journal of Workplace Health Management
ISSN: 1753-8351
Article publication date: 3 April 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the causes, forms, extent, and consequences of sexual harassment and sexual violence at public sector workplaces in Tanzania.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 1,593 civil servants participated in the survey, which was conducted in the Mtwara Region of Tanzania. The quantitative data were complemented with the results from eight focus group discussions.
Findings
The study revealed that 21 percent of women and 12 percent of men had experienced sexual harassment personally. Overall, rural-based public servants had less knowledge of relevant policies, and experienced more sexual harassment than their urban colleagues. The majority of perpetrators were identified as men in senior positions; the majority of victims were recognized to be young female employees. Frequently reported behaviors included sexual bribery with regard to resource allocation, promotions, allowances, and other benefits.
Practical implications
Despite the existence of conducive legal and policy frameworks aimed at protecting employees from sexual harassment and violence, their implementation and effects were found to be limited. Only half of the study population was aware of the existing regulations. The study found that the majority of public servants who had knowledge on the issue had learned about sexual harassment in the context of an HIV/AIDS workplace program. This finding indicates that well-designed workplace interventions can play an important role in creating awareness, addressing gender stereotypes, and informing employees about their personal rights and responsibilities.
Originality/value
Sexual harassment and gender-based violence at the workplace has never been studied before in Tanzania. The study provides practical recommendations for future preventive interventions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The successful completion of this study was made possible through efforts of many individuals, organizations, government offices, and development partners. The authors are grateful for the support of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the President’s Office – Public Service Management and the regional and local government offices. The authors would like to thank the GIZ Health Program, Health Focus, the University of Dar es Salaam, the Diversity Unit and Establishment Divisions of PO-PSM, TACAIDS, ILO, Compliance Alliance Ltd, and Georgetown University. Funding for data collection was supported by GIZ and Georgetown University. The authors would like to acknowledge the researchers from the University of Dar es Salaam and Development Pioneer Consultants (DPC). The authors would also like to thank the following individuals for their assistance: Professor Bertha Koda, Dr Godlike Koda, Shanoon Mwale, Charlotte Becker, Dr Richard Mushi, Charles Mrema, Adelaide Kisinda, Anna Mazalla, Everada Ndugumchana, Dr Inge Baumgarten, Dr Regine Meyer, and Dr Stefan Weinman.
Citation
Vuckovic, M., Altvater, A., Helgesson Sekei, L. and Kloss, K. (2017), "Sexual harassment and gender-based violence in Tanzania’s public service: A study among employees in Mtwara Region and Dar es Salaam", International Journal of Workplace Health Management, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 116-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWHM-02-2015-0011
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited