Analysis of the Laws of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar from a Gender Perspective

Lawful discrimination is a significant impediment to achieving gender equality. In 1979, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) laid out a blueprint for women’s rights, including commitments to embody the principle of equality between men and women in law and practice. Yet discriminatory laws that deny equal rights to women hinder their full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.

UN Women in Tanzania commissioned this legislative analysis to provide an in-depth understanding of the current legal framework in both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, and to identify gaps and discriminatory provisions with the long-term vision of advocating for legal reform. The analysis explores the vast spectrum of laws in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar to assess their gender responsiveness, and highlights discriminatory provisions and gaps that require repeal, amendment or enactment.