Source: DailyNews
Ms MWANAJUMA Faki Mdachi, a member of the House of Representatives on the women's ticket, has said that many divorced women and orphans live in difficult conditions. She called the government to help vulnerable groups.

"Some widows, divorced women and orphans often fall victim to gender violence. It is high time the government thought of how to help them," Mdachi said in the House on Tuesday in Zanzibar.

She was debating the performance report of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Youths, Women and Children Development for 2012/2013. She argued that not much has been done in addressing gender violence or helping divorced women. I ask the responsible minister to visit divorced women, widows and orphans and listen to them.

Some have formed "divorced and orphans Associations" in Pemba which make it easier to meet them, the legislator said. Ms Asha Bakar Makame (CCM - Women), Mr Ibrahim Makungu and Mr Makame Mshimba Mbarouk (CCM - Kitope), also asked the ministry to spare no efforts in fighting gender violence, particularly rape.

In reaction to the comments, the Minister for Social Welfare, Youths, Women and Children Development admitted that "gender violence including rape was on the rise, but argued that the war needs collective efforts and not government alone."

• Tanzania