It’s Their Culture.

I’m Not Here To Change It.

I’m Here To Understand It.

And, why “Rights and Equality for Women and Girls” needs to be more than just a Catchphrase.

Finding a sense of worth in a culture as old as mankind itself, is intriguing, engaging, and as any good cricket batsman would advise you when at the crease, “never take your eye off the ball”.

From the perspective of someone who has never tired of immersing themselves in the tangled culture that is Tanzania, it’s fusion of international influences and the dominant power of tradition, understanding, holds the key to the greater goal, helping my people here find a positive way forward.

The cultural gap, between my society and society here, is beyond huge. But one thing I learned very early in my 15 years visiting Tanzania as a volunteer, is that there is no right or wrong in cultural disciplines, there are only differences.

Child Brides

No, I don’t believe any girl should be forced to marry, at any age.

Yes, there are increasing numbers of girls in Tanzania who understand they should not be forced to marry, particularly while still children themselves, while they remain uneducated and, are expected to bear children before their own bodies are even fully developed.

But, It’s Their Culture.

Still today, many girls from both remote and more developed communities, understand and accept the coveted tradition of being the “chosen” child bride. The reverence of upholding her family’s honor.  

To let the family down, to dishonor her family, indeed brings great shame beyond our shallow understanding of these time-honored traditions.

Female Genital Mutilation

Identified today, as a Violation of the Human Rights of Girls and Women, and yet, still it continues.

It is estimated in Tanzania alone, in 2026, over 4 million girls are at risk of being subjected to this illegal practice, most often, before their first birthday. A practice based solely on ancient cultural beliefs and social pressures.

Tanzanian authorities claim since 1998 when the practice was criminalized here, incidences have reduced by up to 10%. Authorities further claim they have instigated reforms and have familiarization and education programs in place to discourage the act, not prevent it.

Culture, is not written. It is not a script to follow.

This dark, personal cultural practice, is not loud, it is a whisper, a nod, by elders who deeply believe it is their patriarchal obligation to their people to uphold. It is carried out in silence and ignorance.

And worse, to girls who will never know any different.

Children Born Here Today

Girls and Boys born in both urban and marginalized communities, are largely voiceless individuals born into a society where children’s rights are almost insignificant.

A girl child is not encouraged to stand up, to speak up or even develop her own identity. She “should” fit in. Be one of the flock. The concept of “thinking for yourself” and having a voice, is still largely unfamiliar in Tanzanian society. And although acceptance and tolerance are virtues in this culture, they do not cultivate an enquiring mind.

Celebrating Women

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Moshi Municipality celebrated with an unmistakably loud and visible celebration for women in the Kilimanjaro region.

Complete with a female marching band, prominent women guest speakers, traditional singing and dancing, the celebration was an opportunity for women to express themselves in this brief moment of freedom outside their daily restraints, and they did so, resoundingly.

Women of all ages, resilient, defiant, and with public displays of camaraderie. A sense of belonging and courageously being part of something because they have the right to be, and have earned that right!

Standing tall and strikingly beautiful, in their matching Kitenge fabrics, symbols of unity, and wearing their scars with pride and jubilation. They had beaten the system they were born into.

A system still not ready to engage its youth, nor to harness the power of its women.

A system still largely shaped by ancient traditions, but which advocates Rights and Equality for Women and Girls.

NOTE: Written in reflection of my own personal experiences and observations over 15 years and more than 20 visits to Tanzania, visiting remote communities, regional centres and working with schools, orphanages and NGO’s on a wide range of levels.

I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Sophia Ayo, for her personal reflections on her family, childhood, education years and work experiences, both as House Hostess of the Lion King Homestay and previous hospitality employment in compiling this piece.

There are many organisations working toward zero child brides and female genetial mutilation and looking for support. Statistics included have been sourced from these organisations promoting their work worldwide with unrestricted access through Internet and social media.

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Cherie Smirl

OneLoveTanzania.com

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