Safe Health

Gender inequality and violence against girls and women (VAWG) have been demonstrated repeatedly as contributors to HIV infection and overall underdevelopment. Unequal power relations between females and males restrict decision making and negotiation by women and girls for safe sex and condom use and generally limit female opportunities. The most common forms of VAWG in Tanzania are physical, sexual, psychological, and economic, including financial deprivation and exploitation. 39% of women ages 15-49 years have experienced physical violence at least once in their lives, with 33% of such violence occurring within the 12 months preceding the survey. Overall 10% of women ages 15-49 years reported a forced first sexual intercourse.