Factors that influence women's health in Tanzania

Abstract

A descriptive account of factors that influence women's health in Tanzania is given. The social and cultural processes that enhance or undermine women's health are emphasized. Recommendations for changes to improve women's health are made.

PIP: Tanzanians have a low life expectancy (49 years), high death rate (15.1/1000), and high fertility rate (6.5). Women have been subject to sexual discrimination even before colonialism. Tradition sustains sexual discrimination today, which keeps women at a low social status and in poor health. Programs need to train women to become more assertive and teach skills which facilitate economic and professional development. Women need to be involved in development. Even though the Tanzanian government has a free health care system, insufficient transportation prevents childbirth emergencies from being managed. Yet, the national health policy calls for the elimination of discrimination against women in health care. Maternal and child health services focus on the baby's health. Breast feeding can further weaken a malnourished woman. Lack of transportation and low contraceptive prevalence (5-7%) restrict women's use of family planning services. Tanzania has officially adopted the Safe Motherhood Initiative, but commitment from all groups is needed. Many women suffer from domestic violence, but the issue is ignored. Some tribes still practice female circumcision. Another form of social control is childhood marriage, which both tradition and the law uphold. Early marriage and teenage pregnancies prevent women from completing their education. The government has a course to train traditional birth attendants which improves their standard of care. Customary marriage laws consider wives to be property. Divorce carries a considerable social stigma. In 1990, the Tanzanian government created a ministry to coordinate women and children issues. Obstacles to improving women's health are poverty, harmful traditional practices, customary laws that support discrimination against women, and Tanzania's poor economy.