The Impact of Police Gender Desk Strategies in Mitigating Gender-Based Violence in Moduli District

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.