In the Shinyanga Region, sex workers are accused of draining men’s pockets, and straining legal families during harvesting seasons. Photo: Courtesy
Empowering Women in Tanzania’s Shinyanga During Harvesting Season: Curbing Exploitation and Building Resilience
By Adonis Byemelwa
In the serene twilight of Bugweto B, the Mwayeni milling machine resonates with a rhythmic hum, echoing through the bustling streets. Women from nearby communities—Mwagala, Bugweto B, and Bugweto A—gather here, their presence a testament to resilience amidst the daily rural grind.
In Sukuma tradition, these women shoulder the weight of daily household chores—grinding grains, tending to cattle, and foraging for firewood to sustain their families.
Ester Dwasi, a weary resident of Bugweto B, pours out her heart about the seasonal trials she faces. “During harvest, my husband disappears with all our earnings, cavorting with other women,” she confides, frustration evident in her voice. “What can I do? He’s grown accustomed to this… My health deteriorates, but he cares little. It’s a recurring nightmare each year.”
Echoing Ester’s anguish is Diana Makoye from the Ibadakuli ward, who describes the emotional toll of harvest season. “It’s a time of tears for us mothers,” Diana shares, her eyes reflecting years of hardship.
“Our husbands vanish into revelry, leaving us to manage alone. I worked tirelessly, harvesting 50 bags of rice and 90 of maize, only to sell most of it. We’re left with barely enough to feed our families.”
In the nearby village of Mwamala, Salima Sosoma paints a grim picture of urban influence. “Urban women disguise themselves as liquor vendors, offering their bodies for a sack of rice or maize,” Salima reveals, her tone a mix of indignation and sorrow.
“As Sukuma women, we lack a voice against our men. Any protest is met with harsh punishment, witnessed by our children.”
Calls for government intervention grow louder. “These city women exploit our harvests,” Salima asserts, pleading for change.
Neema Ngusa, Zakia Makonda, and Christina Maduhu add their voices to the outcry, condemning the rise of a sex-for-food trade that worsens hunger in rural homes.
West Mwanda, an agriculture officer emphasizes the need for a cultural shift. “Farmers must cease trading grain for sexual favors,” he urges sternly. “We must reserve some for sustenance, not barter it away.
“Community initiatives to combat prostitution during harvest are gaining traction, aiming to preserve dignity and stability in rural households.
“This isn’t just about hunger,” insists Ester Kenedy, amidst the backdrop of night-time revelry in Mwamala. “These actions breed diseases like HIV/AIDS and fracture families, leaving women and children vulnerable.”
In the heart of Shinyanga, especially in Ibadakuli Ward, women face dire predicaments during harvest seasons. Photo: Courtesy
Despite persistent challenges, signs of progress emerge. “We’ve made strides in curbing this exploitation,” reports Eva Mlowe, a Development Officer committed to community welfare. Government support and local initiatives are pivotal in safeguarding vulnerable families from exploitation.
In the rural wards of Didia and Usule, local officials are intensifying efforts to combat the escalating threat of gender-based violence during harvest seasons.
Led by Tinde Ward Social Development Officer Eva Mlowe, these officials have implemented comprehensive strategies to preserve family integrity and mitigate vulnerabilities exacerbated by urban influences.
Mlowe emphasizes the pivotal role of education in equipping community members to identify and resist exploitative practices.
“Education is crucial,” Mlowe asserts. “It empowers our community to recognize and confront exploitation effectively.”
Community engagement initiatives are equally vital. They foster solidarity among villagers, encouraging collective action to shield households from external pressures while promoting traditional values and bolstering women’s empowerment. These efforts aim to fortify resilience against the erosion of cultural norms and economic stability.
Despite these proactive measures, challenges persist across the broader region encompassing Shinyanga, Kishapu, Igunga, and Nzega districts. Rural women continue to confront multifaceted exploitation driven by urban practices that undermine their traditional roles and economic autonomy.
The dynamics at play are complex, rooted deeply in socioeconomic disparities exacerbated by urbanization and globalization. Women, pivotal in agricultural production and household management, find themselves increasingly marginalised and vulnerable during critical periods such as harvests.
“The consequences are profound,” observes Mlowe. “Families dependent on agriculture face increased vulnerability when resources are diverted through exploitative practices, impacting health, education, and community stability.”
Moreover, the encroachment of urban practices threatens to erode longstanding social structures and traditional values that have sustained these communities for generations. Women, historically respected as custodians of cultural heritage and community cohesion, face diminishing authority within their households.
Mlowe stresses the urgent collective plea from rural communities: empower women to safeguard their harvests and secure their families futures.
Sustainable development hinges on addressing these systemic challenges through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities.
In May 2024, the Shinyanga Journalists Club emerged as a pivotal force in the battle against gender-based violence (GBV) within the Shinyanga district, Tanzania.
Bolstered by the steadfast support of the Women Fund Tanzania (WFT-Trust), this club has not only shed light on the stark realities of GBV but also sparked transformative change within the community.
Edmund Ardon, District Social Development Officer, praised the club’s efforts, recognizing journalists as crucial catalysts for societal transformation. He remarked, “The Shinyanga Journalists Club has wielded its influence effectively, significantly reducing GBV across our region.”
Led by Ngassa Mboje, Chairman of the Shinyanga District Council, the club has galvanized collective action against GBV. Mboje emphasized the need for stakeholders and journalists to unite in this ongoing struggle, stating, “Collaborative action is essential to combating GBV and safeguarding our communities.”
Glory Mbia, Coordinator of the Women Fund Tanzania in Shinyanga, celebrated the tangible impact of the club’s initiatives, noting, “Since its inception, we’ve seen a notable decline in GBV cases, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Shinyanga Journalists Club.”
Greyson Kakuru, Chairperson of the Shinyanga Journalists Club, expressed gratitude to WFT-Trust for their unwavering support, highlighting their joint efforts in publishing 355 articles over three years. Kakuru emphasized, “These articles have catalyzed positive change, reducing instances of GBV and empowering survivors.”
The club’s flagship project, “Communities and Media in Ending Violence against Women and Children,” aligns with national and global goals, focusing on amplifying women’s and children’s voices.
Kakuru announced the establishment of the Tanzania Network of Journalists on Gender Violence (TAJOGEV), a milestone initiative aimed at expanding anti-GBV efforts nationwide.
Press clubs like the one in Shinyanga are pivotal in championing accountability, transparency, and social justice.
Through their dedicated reporting and advocacy, these journalists reshape narratives and challenge oppressive systems, paving the way for a future of equality and dignity for all.
To maximize their impact, press clubs and NGOs in Shinyanga are addressing cultural norms and societal attitudes perpetuating violence. By engaging in targeted awareness campaigns, strengthening legal frameworks, and collaborating with grassroots organizations and community leaders, they tackle the root causes of GBV and foster a culture of respect and gender equality.
Inspired by successful models like Rwanda Men’s Resource Center (RWAMREC), these organisations aim to engage men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms.
Through workshops, community outreach, and media campaigns, they promote positive masculinity and encourage male allies in the fight against GBV.
Moving forward, effective interventions must encompass robust educational programs promoting gender equality, economic empowerment initiatives diversifying income sources, and legal protections safeguarding women’s rights.
In the heart of Shinyanga, especially in Ibadakuli Ward, women face dire predicaments during harvest seasons. Exploitation and gender-based violence loom large, exacerbated by urban influences that threaten their cultural fabric and economic stability.
Despite these challenges, the relentless efforts of local initiatives like the Shinyanga Journalists Club offer hope. By amplifying voices, exposing truths, and advocating for change, they pave the way for a future where women can thrive with dignity and security.
Strengthening community resilience and preserving cultural integrity are not just aspirations but imperatives in safeguarding the livelihoods of Shinyanga’s women and building a sustainable future for all.
