Amid the Inequalities of Gender in Tanzania

In Tanzania, the inequalities of women and men still persist politically, socially and economically.  And this is common in developing countries.  As per report of World Bank; women in the developing world have made strides in education, but still lag far behind men in opportunities, a gender gap that is hampering growth.  In many areas (developing countries), girls and women continue to suffer discrimination that keeps them second-class citizens economically and socially, and even in health. 

a Massai woman in Handeni District

In Tanzania, 60% of women live in absolute poverty.  Below are some facts about women in this country (source:  Tanzania Poverty and Human Development Report, 2009).

·         Women are deprived of education and information.  In 2008, the population aged 15-49 years; 19.1% of women had no formal education, while only 9.5% for men.  In the post secondary education; only 32.1% of women were enrolled in the colleges and universities. 

·         Low participation in the Labor Market. Unemployment rate for female was higher; which is 15.4% compare to men which is 14.3%.  Only 24.7% of women were paid employees on the labor supply.  

·         Over 60% of people living with HIV are women.

Although, their government is putting efforts to mainstream gender in all their development initiatives and activities, their customary laws and traditions limit the full development of the potentials of their women.  Like in tribal communities, they won’t allow women to have property – such as owning a land or cattle for farming. 

A woman in Handeni District carrying a bucket of water for her family

It’s good to know that the Government of Tanzania has passed several laws in favour of women i.e. Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act of 1998, the Land Law Act of 1999 and Village Land Act of 1999. The first Law protects women, girls and children from sexual harassment and abuse. The last two laws repeal and replace previous legislations on land matters thus enabling women to enjoy equal rights with men in access, ownership and control of land (http://www.tanzania.go.tz/gender.html).

Despite of the inequities, there are women in Tanzania who works hard on their own to break this gap and through their initiative; they have started to build their life in order to be productive economically and socially, thus, to eradicate poverty in their families and community. 

Recently, I made a report about groups of women in the community where my organization is serving.  The meetings and interviews were in Kiswahili but the results were translated to English by my colleague.  Their stories were inspiring and they gained my respect and admiration.

during the documentation process of my report

These women lack education but this did not stop them to dream of improving the lives of their families and their children.  Out of 45 women we documented, 33 of them had primary education and 12 had secondary.  But through their own choice, they are now in the process of transforming themselves to be self-sufficient and self-reliant.   Their livelihood makes them earn USD 1 to 2 a day but they continue to work hard to be totally free from poverty.

Basilica Kimaro, 29, married with 2 children, earns at least USD 822.00/year from her farm

 

Alphocina, 28, married with 3 children, earns at least USD 576/year from her farm

IIIII

*and me - a lucky woman to be from one of the countries that offer women the most expansive rights and the best quality of life (Philippines is one of the Top 20 countries with the rank of 17th <out of 165 countries> as the best place for women)

*the picture was taken in Macau last July 2010

A woman is the full circle.
Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.

~ Diane Mariechild ~

USD 100 for a piece of junk

When I moved to my 3^rd house (posted about this last June I think), the Program Office agreed that I can purchase a second hand (or used or not brand new) fridge which the amount has to be deducted from the monthly rentals that my organization (employer) have to pay.

After some delays and postponements, I was able to buy one with the help of Joven (the full-time Admin. Staff from my organization).  The budget that I can spend is TSH 150,000 (around USD 100.00).

We went to the areas where most of the shops sell used electronic appliances.  According to the shop owner where we bought my fridge, his items are from UK and Hong Kong.  During our brief chat, he mentioned that he travels to Hong Kong to buy used electronic items.  When I asked him if he is making a profit, he said that it is a good business (after I’ve heard him telling Joven that he earns so little that’s why he can’t give the price we were asking). 

With USD 100, I’ve got a fridge that literally looks like a junk but it’s still working.  Though, I have no idea, how long it will last.

this piece of junk is USD 100

The LDCs (Less Developed Countries) are the junk yards or dumping sites of industrialized countries.  It is an abusive practice of “free trade”.  They (industrialized countries) are concealing the fact that they are dumping their waste or unmanageable accumulation of possible hazardous materials to the poor countries by claiming it as a “donation” to poor people who has no capacity to buy new electronic equipment.

Aside from the burdens of the poor countries financially, politically, socially and ecologically, they also suffer from the adverse effects of this “free trade”.  The electronic waste would lead to contamination of the environment specifically the water and land which putting the poorest population of the world at great risk.  How pathetic  it is to be poor? :-(

E-waste (Electronic Waste) is routinely exported by developed countries to developing ones, often in violation of the international law. Inspections of 18 European seaports in 2005 found as much as 47 percent of waste destined for export, including e-waste, was illegal. In the UK alone, at least 23,000 metric tonnes of undeclared or 'grey' market electronic waste was illegally shipped in 2003 to the Far East, India, Africa and China. In the US, it is estimated that 50-80 percent of the waste collected for recycling is being exported in this way. This practice is legal because the US has not ratified the Basel Convention (www.greenpeace.org).

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, usually known simply as the Basel Convention (Basel, Switzerland), is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from developed to LDC). It does not, however, address the movement of radioactive waste. The Convention is also intended to minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated, to ensure their environmentally sound management as closely as possible to the source of generation, and to assist LDCs in environmentally sound management of the hazardous and other wastes they generate  (source: Wikipedia; please see www.basel.int for more information).

being an outsider

After living in Tanzania for more than 6 months, there are several occasions that I’ve felt bad and good of being an outsider.  I have love and hate relationship with this country.  Nevertheless, it continuously shapes me to grow and be a better (I think) person.

There are things in Tanzania that I am connected with since these are somewhat related to my culture.

the symbol made by Filipinos that considered Tanzania as their second home - on the logo are the flags and national parks of Tanzania and Philippines

·         Both are developing countries.  However, Philippines have higher GDP per capita with USD 3,700+; PPP (purchasing power parity) compare from Tanzania with only USD 1,400.

·         Complaining about the corrupt officials.  When you talk to locals, they put the blame on the corruptions of their government officials on the slow progress of their country.  In the Philippines, you can hear the same comment from the people and this is openly discusses from the media.

·         Hardworking.  Doing manual work by their hands under the fierce sun (like digging on their farms or  beside the road, carrying blocks at construction sites, cleaning ducts, etc.), peddling, carrying heavy bulks of goods on their heads or using bicycle, etc. 

·         Kinship.   Family members support each other like giving financial help to members who are in-need.  This is also common in my country.  It is typical to accommodate relatives (up to 3^rd or 4^th degree cousins or as long as there is a blood relations) at home. 

·         Politeness of people and giving respect to elders.  They greet anyone regardless if they are strangers or friends.  Young people never fail to greet me “shikamo” (an Arabic greeting to senior people J ).  In my country, we use “po” if we are talking to our seniors – by age or job position;  e.g. Kumusta po kayo? – How are you?.  I also observed at public buses that children offer their seats to elders which are also common in my country. 

·         Complaining about the traffic jam (but everybody does regardless of any culture).   

·         Eating lots of rice. Tanzanian loves to eat rice aside from Ugale (maize porridge).  We have no ugale in the Philippines but it is common among Filipinos to eat rice 3x a day – from breakfast to dinner. 

·         Using spoon or hand during meals.  It is common in Tanzania and in the Philippines to use spoon while eating their rice meal or just bare hands while having meal.                                                                              

·         Happy go lucky.  Poor people know how to enjoy their life.  They don’t complain but they work hard and strive.  Filipinos have the same attitude.  Both love to laugh and not to take life so seriously. 

Although I am struggling with the Kiswahili language, with smiles and physical gestures I know that there is a connection between Tanzania and my country.

my hand with the hand of my little Tanzanian friend

My limits have been tested many times while living here but I still feel lucky to have the opportunity to appreciate others' culture aside from my own.  I’ve got a lot to learn and in the end of my journey to Tanzania – I can say that it’s indeed a worthwhile experience.

had an opportunity to revisit our National Heroe's Park (Rizal Park) after more than 20+ years last December 2009 with friends

dreaming of spending a day at the beach of Dar

Last week, a colleague mentioned that there is a nice beach in the northern part of Dar.  The place is called Mbezi.  I googled it since I was thinking of going there on the weekend (Sunday). I’ve found a review that says it is one of the best beaches in Dar but it is not advisable to explore alone because of some cases of mugging. 

watching the sunset, philippines, summer 2010

I was anticipating getting a positive reply from my SMS asking if this colleague is free on Sunday.  Well, I did not get a response.  I searched again the internet hoping that I can find a place in the area that is safe.  I found a site that says there are resorts with security but there’s an advice to be cautious when getting a ride from the main road going to these resorts because of past incidenced of mugging (also).  I was arguing with myself if I am confident to go on my own.  I was apprehensive but I am eager to go.   Anyway, I have one day to decide so I stopped bugging my mind. 

catching the sun, philippines, summer 2010

On the next day, I decided that I will go.  But later in the afternoon, I suffered stomach cramps and migraine. I went to bed early and woke up very late unintentionally.
 

special treat to myself

My weekend did not happen the way as planned - walking on the shore and watch the sunset at Mbezi beach.  What I did was cooked for myself a good food and watched Korean drama instead. It was not a bad weekend afterall. J

Christmas Time

After my work last Thursday, I went straight to the big mall.  I did not realize that it was still the celebration of Eid.  The crowd was a bit huge compare from the ordinary days.  Everybody who was there was in a festive mood.  The booth for face painting was crowded of children.  There were also displays of colourful balloons and toys.  I suddenly felt homesick.  September is the beginning of the celebration of Christmas in the Philippines.  As early as September, Christmas songs and carols are on the air and Christmas decors, trees and lights are already visible although it’s still four months away from the actual celebration of Christmas Day or the birth of Jesus Christ. 

This month, Filipinos start to spend heavily on shopping - for exchange gifts or something to prepare on the day of Christmas.  During this season, regardless of their income status (either rich or poor), everyone is equal.  The Christmas day should always be exceptional.  For rich families - it's  lavish gifts and sumptous food.  Foor poor families - modest or simple preparations, yet, still special.

What I miss  will be the bonding moments wth the people who are close to my heart.  Christmas is the time to get together and primarily a family affair which should be exclusively reserve to share love, joy and peace with them.

Well, I hope that my fellow Filipinos will not forget the true essence of Christmas.  Not the gift we give or receive on  Christmas day that makes it very special – it is this day that God sent us the redeemer; Jesus Christ.  It’s the reason why we (Christians) celebrate it <80% of the 95M+ population of the Philippines are Christians>.

beside a huge Christmas tree during the Ret. Vol.'s Wekend; Nov. 2009, Philippines - I was wearing a Saree - a traditional dress of Bangladeshi Women

I should not be lonely on Christmas even if I am away from my loved ones.  Since I will be saved from hectic never ending shopping of Christmas gifts ; I should prepare myself instead on how to share the true spirit of Christmas with the people who are with me now - the joy of giving.

And I look forward to witness and experience how Tanzania celebrates Christmas.