Transforming Traditions: Restoring Shikome to adress GBV

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a challenge for Shinyanga Region in Tanzania, where such cases continue to escalate. Key drivers include male dominance, harmful social norms, peer influence, and family-level poverty. The region recorded 2,836 cases of GBV, of which 2,503 were female victims, while 2,304 were girls, during the period from July 2018 to June 2019.

Also, cultural norms in Shinyanga often prioritize men and boys, designating them as decision-makers, wealth creators, and family heads—commonly known as “kichwa cha familia” or "head of the family."

On the other hand, the traditional belief that only fathers speak for the family has contributed to gender inequality. However, education and dialogue have begun to shift these views:_ “Our customs say that only the father speaks for the family, but after awareness, both father and mother now participate in decision-making_,” Nshililu village community member said.

To address these challenges, Green Community Initiatives (GCI) launched a six-month project, “ACHA UKATILI,” in Nsalala and Itwangi wards in the Region, that mobilizes communities to embrace positive traditions, like Shikome, while rejecting harmful practices.

Shikome: A Tradition of Family Unity One key initiative of the project was the revival of Shikome, a Sukuma tradition that strengthens family unity. Shikome encourages families—father, mother, and children—to gather, often during dinner, to discuss family matters, assign responsibilities, share feedback, and plan together.

To support this, the project trained eight Village Champions of Change (four men and four women) who led male engagement dialogues, reaching over 500 men and boys through informal settings like village security groups (Sungusungu), coffee gatherings, and motorcycle taxi stands (Bodaboda centers). The sessions highlighted the importance of Shikome as a positive tradition that can help reduce violence against women and children.

Through intergenerational dialogues, male engagement and child participation, Shikome became a movement for positive change. “We made sure men and boys understood the benefits of Shikome and encouraged its revival to promote family discussions, positive parenting, and a violence-free community,” said Masanja, GCI project representative.

Masanja explained that informal gathering centres such as coffee places, and traditional elder councils (Wazee wa Gunguli) were vital for spreading awareness. As a result, 522 men and boys were reached, and 16 families have since reported reintroducing Shikome into their lives. Men and boys are now becoming advocates for these changes within their families and communities.

Impact of Shikome: Strengthening Family Bonds A community member from Nshishinulu, Mr. Nhende, has observed improved family cooperation, task-sharing, and inclusiveness in decision-making among families that practice Shikome: “We see how vital Shikome is for our families. It helps us communicate better and creates a violence-free environment.”

Traditionally, Shikome gatherings would take place around a fire at night, with men and women sitting separately but engaging in family discussions together. Elder Shija explained,_ “That practice was very beneficial as it brought families together. But nowadays, families rarely sit together, leading to poor parenting and increased violence against women and children.”_

Through GCI’s initiatives and encouragement to revive Shikome, families are now reuniting and rediscovering the strength in unity. “Shikome has encouraged men to take up family responsibilities previously left to women and children,” community member Hamis Mhoja, said. He added that, “Men now accompany their wives to clinics, help with farming, fetch water, and support other family tasks—actions that were unheard of in the past due to patriarchal traditions.”

He added that the impact of Shikome on education has also been profound. Previously, some men favored educating only sons, but now, there is a growing commitment to educating all children, resulting in decreased school absenteeism.

While Shikome is making a difference, adapting this tradition to modern times presents challenges. “Calling young people to night gatherings is harder today, as many are busy with activities like sports,” noted a participant. However, the community continues to adapt Shikome to fit current lifestyles, supporting family unity and positive parenting practices.