Girl Trafficking: Causes, Experiences and Challenges Encountered A Case of Arusha Municipality, Tanzania
Magesa Rehema | September 23 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Room 2592
Persistence of human trafficking in Tanzania is reported to be exacerbated by many factors including patriarchal systems, poverty, peer influences, job opportunities and availability of social services to mention a few. Lack of knowledge and skills, has been thought to catalyze the situation more as compared to others. In a research study conducted in Arusha Municipality involving girls who are victims of human trafficking and other stakeholders; it was found that destitution of rural families, forced marriages, peer influences, broken families and gender based violence were among the root causes which led these young girls to become prey to traffickers. The study also revealed that these young girls faced a lot of challenges including being overworked and being unpaid, being tortured physically and emotionally. Some of these girls experienced other challenges such as sexual abuse and in some cases even contracted sexual diseases. In combating the situation, the study recommends more drastic measures from the Government and other stakeholders including increasing awareness on Human Trafficking for the general public and encouraging victims to report human trafficking cases. The study also recommends that children who are most vulnerable and at high risk of being trafficked be checked regularly and if possible be supplied with their basic needs.