Abstract:
The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Police Gender Desk strategies in
mitigating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Monduli District, Arusha, Tanzania.
Specifically, the study sought to identify the strategies employed by the Police Gender
Desk to combat and reduce GBV, measure the influence of these strategies on the
prevalence and reporting of GBV, and identify the challenges and gaps faced by the
Police Gender Desk in addressing this critical issue within the district. The study
employed a pragmatism research philosophy with a mixed-methods approach to
investigate Police Gender Desk strategies addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in
Monduli District. This methodology combined quantitative and qualitative methods,
enabling a thorough exploration of the research questions. Focusing on Monduli Mjini
Ward, selected for its demographic diversity. This study aimed at evaluating GBV
dynamics and police interventions. A sample of 150 respondents was drawn from a
target population of 7,608 people using the Yamane formula. Sampling techniques
included simple random sampling for general respondents and purposive sampling for
key informants, such as police officers and community leaders. Data collection utilized
survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, achieving a 100% response rate
for questionnaires. The study's findings revealed that the Police Gender Desk has
effectively addressed gender-based violence (GBV) through a multifaceted approach,
achieving notable results in community awareness and support services. Over the past
year, the desk conducted over 50 workshops, reaching around 2,000 participants, with
75% reporting increased awareness of GBV. The introduction of victim support services
led to a 30% rise in individuals seeking help, totaling 1,200 cases. Training programs
enhanced the skills of 90% of police officers, improving response times to incidents by
40%. Despite these successes, challenges such as a 50% budget shortfall, cultural
barriers to reporting, and gaps in training were identified. To optimize effectiveness, the
study recommends increasing financial support, enhancing community engagement
initiatives, and developing robust training programs for officers to improve their
response to GBV issues. Addressing these challenges is essential for fostering a
supportive environment for victims and reducing GBV incidents.
