What is it about?
This study looks at the issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in Tanzania. The researchers wanted to see if giving cash transfers (CTs) to women could help reduce violence by empowering them economically. They collected both numbers-based data and personal stories from women to compare the levels of violence between those who received CTs and those who didn't, and also among different types of CTs. The results showed that while CTs didn't have a significant impact on most forms of violence, they did have a small effect on reducing physical violence. The researchers also found that cultural norms that subordinate women to men, regardless of their socioeconomic status, play a significant role in perpetuating violence. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that CT programs in Tanzania focus on transforming power dynamics, which could involve gender training programs, legal reforms, and improving support services for victims of violence.
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Why is it important?
This research is important because intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant problem affecting women worldwide, including in Tanzania. Understanding effective strategies to reduce IPV is crucial for promoting the well-being and safety of women in society. Cash transfers (CTs) have been suggested as a potential solution to empower women economically and potentially mitigate violence. By studying the impact of CTs on IPV, this research provides insights into whether such programs are effective and how they can be improved. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of addressing underlying cultural norms that contribute to violence against women, emphasizing the need for broader societal changes to promote gender equality and protect women from harm. The findings and recommendations of this research can inform policymakers, organizations, and individuals working in the field of gender-based violence, helping them develop more effective interventions and support systems to address IPV and empower women.
Perspectives
Cash Transfers (CTs) have been lauded as a sure means to rid people off poverty. Our interests was thus to investigate if CTs in Tanzania have any impact on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Results from a quasi-experiment show no statistically significant impact. However, qualitative data analyses suggest that CTs actually fuel IPV. It is in this context that we recommend that CTs must be accompanied with improved legal framework that protect women against IPV and training programmes that can debunk harmful traditional power relations in Tanzania.
Abel Kinyondo
University of Dar es Salaam
While the study found a limited impact of cash transfers on reducing intimate partner violence (IPV), it sheds light on the complex dynamics of gender-based violence in Tanzania. The emphasis on addressing cultural norms and power relations is crucial for creating lasting change. Moving forward, policymakers and stakeholders should consider integrating comprehensive gender training programs, legal reforms, and improved support services to tackle the root causes of IPV and promote gender equality. This research serves as a valuable foundation for designing more effective interventions and strategies to protect women from violence and empower them in Tanzanian society
Dr. Magashi Joseph Ntegwa
University of Dar es Salaam
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Impact of Cash Transfers on Intimate Partner Violence: A Quasi-Experimental Evidence from Tanzania, The African Review, February 2023, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/1821889x-bja10055.
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