Women’s Rights and Access to Justice

Despite significant advancements in Tanzania, women still face challenges in accessing justice due to a complex legislative environment and entrenched social norms. The coexistence of statutory, customary, and religious laws, along with gender gaps in legislation such as the Marriage Act and inheritance laws, creates significant disadvantages. Additionally, a shortage of trained personnel to handle cases involving gender-based violence and people with disabilities weakens support for survivors. Particularly in rural areas, there is a pressing need to ensure that women have access to legal aid services to enhance their awareness of their rights and provide the necessary legal advice and representation.

Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive reforms in the legal system, enhanced legal support services, increased awareness and education on human rights, and the elimination of gender stereotypes within the judiciary.

UN Women is working closely with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the judiciary, and relevant civil society organizations to support the reform of discriminatory legal norms, make justice institutions more effective, accountable, and gender-responsive, empower women to know, claim, and exercise their rights, and extend knowledge of women’s rights throughout communities across the country.