Combating Economic violence against women in Muleba District.
Directly involved are approximately 3.101 people (1.907 women and 1.194 men), included MHOLA employees, 120 female managers, members of social groups and the district court, lawyers, clients and members of decision-making bodies. The project also aims to reach approximately 432 people (259 women, 173 men) with counseling services. Indirectly involved are approximately 75.000 people (45.000 women, 30.000 men).
Due to social norms and practices, gender-based violence against women and girls is widespread in Tanzania, especially in rural areas. Traditionally, a woman is not granted the right to marital property and thus to her husband's family’s land. In case of death of a husband or separation, women and children face increased poverty without any protection. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of Tanzania, 51% of Tanzanians work in the informal sector, are employed or run small businesses. About 90% of people living in rural areas rely on agricultural activities for survival, with the majority of farmers being women. Traditionally, women in the area work in farm and household, while husbands earn a living, e.g. by fishing. Women's small income goes to family expenses, while the husbands' goes to investments. The constitution prohibits discrimination against women and land and family laws protect women's rights to land, but the majority of people in the area do not know these laws.
Mama’s Hope Organization for Legal Assistance (MHOLA) works to improve women’s and children’s rights through legal aid, advocacy and psychosocial support for vulnerable groups. Founded in the small Tanzanian town of Bukoba, the organization set up a second location in the neighboring Muleba district. MHOLA gives women easy access to the court system and mediation.
