THE newly established Information and Knowledge Centre by the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) has begun mediating marital disputes and working to eliminate acts of gender-based violence and abuses by engaging local leaders.

Chairperson of the centre, Rose Wisiko, said in an interview with this paper recently regarding the rising cases of violent acts in Kalenga Ward, Iringa Region.

She said that many marital issues are caused by couples living in mistrust, often accusing each other of extramarital affairs. She also highlighted that many men in the ward complain about their wives when they face economic hardships.

She spoke after the conclusion of the International Women's Day celebrations organized by TGNP in Dar es Salaam.

Wisiko mentioned that the centre, established six months ago, has 30 members, 17 of whom are women and 13 are men. Since its inception, the centre has received six cases related to marital disputes, economic instability within families, domestic violence and gender-based violence.

To address the challenges, Wisiko explained that the centre has set up a system where citizens in each area meet with local leaders to receive services.

She noted that the public's response to reporting their challenges has been positive as people have been educated on how to combat violence and seek help.

Vice Chairperson of the Centre at Mabogini Ward in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, Hatangimana Justine, shared that they provide education on violence across all eight villages of the ward. The education is delivered during village meetings, children's clubs and in primary and secondary schools assemblies.