Africa-Press – Tanzania. AT least 89 girls who survived child marriage, rape and denial of education are currently receiving protection and support at Kimbilio Salama (Kimbilio Women Centre) in Morogoro.
The centre, operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Morogoro Diocese, provides shelter, counselling and legal assistance to girls escaping violence and abuse.
General Secretary of the ELCT Morogoro Diocese, Rev Norbert Mbwillo, disclosed the development on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Adam Malima, accompanied by a delegation from the Lempaala Nemc Parish of Finland.
Rev Mbwillo noted that Kimbilio Salama was established in 2017 with support from the Finnish parish to safeguard vulnerable girls across the region. Most of the beneficiaries come from Mvomero and Kilosa districts, while others are from Morogoro Municipality and the neighbouring regions.
“The centre receives all female survivors of abuse regardless of religion or background whether they have fled child marriages, been denied the right to education or endured sexual violence,” he said.
He explained that before the girls are placed at the centre, their cases are reported to the police and later referred through the Department of Social Welfare for assessment and placement. The centre then links victims with legal aid organisations to ensure perpetrators are taken to court.
Rev Mbwillo expressed concern that many cases involve abuse committed by close family members.
“We have cases where girls were abused by their own parents. In one tragic incident, three girls were abused by their fathers. One of them arrived at the centre pregnant and her baby died later,” he revealed.
He added, “All cases are reported to the police and reviewed by the social welfare department before the girls are brought here. We ensure they receive legal aid so that perpetrators are prosecuted. What’s most painful is that much of this abuse occurs within the family.”
Assistant to the Bishop-elect of the Morogoro Diocese, Reverend Peter Makalla, urged communities to actively denounce gender-based violence and report perpetrators instead of hiding abuse within families.
For his part, Regional Commissioner Adam Malima stressed that ensuring women and girls enjoy their fundamental rights is essential to building a just and prosperous society.
He called on media practitioners to use their platforms to raise awareness and help eradicate violence against women and children.
“Through education and awareness, we can build a community that respects, protects and empowers women and girls and in doing so, we secure a stronger future for our nation,” said Malima.
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