An Evaluation of the Kilimanjaro Women Information Exchange and Community Organization Project on Decreasing Gender-Based Violence in Primary Schools, Tanzania

Abstract

Gender-based violence is violence directed at a person’s gender. However, there is more violence directed against girls. In response to the pandemic of violence against girls, Kilimanjaro Women Information Exchange and Community Organization (KWIECO) established a project to decrease GBV against girls in primary schools in Siha District. This study was a formative evaluation of the project, employing a Convergent parallel design. The study targeted 4 primary schools as study sites; both probability sampling and non-probability sampling methods were used to sample 72 students, 4 heads of primary schools, 8 teachers, 1 KWIECO’s officer, and 20 parents, for a total sample of 105. The study employed In-depth interview guides and questionnaires as instruments for data collection. Content validity of the evaluation instruments was assessed, and the reliability was calculated. Quantitative data were analyzed in terms of means, frequencies, and percentages. The qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and similar themes were linked together, followed by translation and interpretation. The study found that the project was effectively implemented, though there was poor involvement of parents and students, which promoted GBV against girls. However, the study found that students were included in the implementation of the project, and they were educated and saved from GBV against girls. The study recommends that intensified GBV awareness for parents improve case reporting. Additionally, there is a need for the second phase of the project because the practices of GBV require continuous monitoring by all educational stakeholders.