Breaking the Silence: Transforming Access to Justice for Violence Survivors Through Technology

Mama Idrissa, a mother of five living in Tandale, Dar es Salaam, made a living through small businesses—walking door to door selling kangas, groundnuts, baobab sweets (ubuyu), and other simple items to keep her children in school, pay rent, and provide food for her family.

But peace became a luxury when her husband—once a partner and father—changed and abandoned the family. He stopped providing for their children, became emotionally distant, and eventually left home without offering any form of support. Left alone, Mama Idrissa shouldered every responsibility: school fees, rent, food, and caregiving.

In a cruel twist, he returned—not to help, but to claim the few household items that remained, intending to move them to another woman’s home. Despite this, Mama Idrissa stood her ground and refused to let it happen.

“That day, I wasn’t at home, and that man came and took everything and took it to another woman. In desperation, I tried to seek help from the local community leader (Mjumbe), hoping for justice or mediation. But I didn’t receive the support I needed,” narrated Mama Idrissa.

Time passed. The man got sick. Weakened and with nowhere else to go, he returned—sick and helpless—expecting care from the woman he had abandoned. After some time, he died. Yet even after his death, the weight of his betrayal lingered. The house he had built remained with the other woman, while Mama Idrissa and her children continued renting and struggling to survive.

As she struggled, Mama Idrissa was connected to places where she could get legal aid support. But it was already too late; she had lost everything. Using her personal experience, she has now become a champion in her area, raising awareness among other women who are facing the same challenges.

"I advise my fellow women: if you see that things are getting difficult in your marriage, seek help early. Don’t wait until you get hurt or lose everything."

The story of Mama Idrissa reflects the reality of countless Tanzanian women who are left behind—unsupported and stigmatized in the face of intimate partner violence.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive forms of human rights violations. It affects everyone and costs Tanzanians dearly in dealing with its aftermath each year. Current statistics show that 44% of women aged 15–49 in Tanzania have experienced either physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. The prevalence of spousal violence is highest in rural areas, averaging 52%, compared to 45% in urban areas.

Interventions: To contribute to addressing this challenge, Sheria Kiganjani implemented a project titled TechGuard Project supported by Women Fund Tanzania. The aim of the project was to provide direct, comprehensive online and offline, timely legal support to survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), their families, and the community—including service providers.

“We used technology to foster a safer, more comfortable, and more supportive platform for survivors to report incidents and receive prompt legal assistance. We showcased the story of Mama Idrissa, an Intimate Partner Violence victim who failed to access timely legal and psychosocial support due to the stigma around intimate partner violence in our community and limited access to information on her rights,” explained Neema Magimba, Project Focal Person.

The documentary was successfully disseminated across various social media platforms, media outlets, and public spaces to raise awareness and advocate for the elimination and prevention of GBV and IPV in communities.

As a result, we reached 13,181 individuals, increasing public awareness and offering vital information on how to access support services. Additionally, through the project, they enhanced access to legal and mental health support by integrating short code technology. The established short code, “RIPOTI GBV,” accessible via the number “15062,” allowed GBV victims to easily access basic legal information, legal services, mental health support, and report cases and incidents of IPV in a user-friendly manner.

This service was designed to be accessible to both smartphone and feature phone users, ensuring wider reach and inclusivity. Through the short code, we reached 200 direct beneficiaries, providing them with the necessary support and services.

Through TechGuard, Sheria Kiganjani has shown that technology can transform how survivors of intimate partner violence access justice and care. By removing barriers, amplifying voices, and fostering innovation, this approach is paving the way for a more responsive and inclusive justice system.

“In the future, we plan to scale the RIPOTI GBV system to other regions, offer capacity building to different gender desk officers, and establish a survivor-led advocacy network. Our vision is to ensure that survivors like Mama Idrissa are never alone again and that justice is just a call or click away” concluded Neema