Women’s attitude towards violence against women in relation to legal aid service interventions in Morogoro rural and Kongwa districts, Tanzania

Abstract

Understanding of women’s attitude toward Gender Based Violence (GBV) against Women in the context of LAS is crucial for effective utilization of the service and prevention strategies. Thus this study examines attitude of women towards GBV against women with regards to their involvement in Legal Aid Services (LAS) interventions in Morogoro Rural and Kongwa districts. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire while qualitative data from KIIs and FGDs were collected using interview guides. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were done using SPSS. A Likert scale was used to measure attitude of women towards GBV against women. Mann Whitney U test was used to determine differences in women’s attitude towards GBV against women in relation to LASs between LAS beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Also, ordinal logistic regression was employed to determine the effects of LAS intervention on attitude of women towards GBV against women. Overall, 58.3% of the women had negative attitude towards GBV against women, while 32.9% of the women had positive attitude. Generally, the attitude towards GBV against women was statistically different (p < 0.05) between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of LAS interventions. Involvement of women in LAS interventions and ethnic background were found to be stronger predictors of attitude of women towards GBV against women. It is recommended that LAS providers should arrange more sensitization campaigns and education sessions on human and women’s legal rights. The campaign should involve all communities focusing on raising awareness about existing myths fuelling GBV against women based on cultural background.