In Tanzania, 36% of women were married before their 18th birthday. The Tanzanian legislature has passed several laws and policies relating to the protection of children and women, some of these laws embed differential treatment based on gender, undermining girls’ rights to equality, dignity and access to education.
The Tanzania Ending Child Marriage Network (TECMN) was formally launched in 2012 to respond to the absence of action on child marriage in Tanzania, and to provide a strategic platform to scale up interventions. Today, the network brings together 69 civil society organisations working across the country in the various fields impacted by child marriage. Together, they have become a strong, nationwide force for change. TECMN is also part of the global Girls Not Brides partnership, and is a critical voice in shaping policy in its sub-region.
This report showcases TECMN’s collective journey, insights and learnings over 2016-2019. It is intended to support other networks that are just starting their own journey to address child marriage and related issues. It also seeks to inform and shape policy and practice on child marriage in Tanzania and the wider sub-region.
TECMN’s work, learnings and recommendations cover:
- Advocacy with Parliamentarians
- Working with religious leaders
- National litigation
- Learning, coordination and strategic partnerships
- Media advocacy
- Research and monitoring
- Fundraising