Tanzania is celebrating a major milestone in the fight to protect its children and youth. The newly released preliminary results of the 2024 Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS 2024) reveal sharp reductions in sexual, physical, and emotional violence against girls and boys nationwide.
The results were officially announced today by Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, in Dar es Salaam.
“We are writing a new chapter for Tanzania’s children and youth,” said Dr. Gwajima.
“The decline in violence is not a coincidence—it is the result of strong policies, bold partnerships, and community-driven action. However, our work is still far from over. Every child deserves to grow up safe, respected, and free from fear.”
The Numbers Tell a Story of Change
Surveying over 11,000 young people aged 13–24 across all 31 regions of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the VACS 2024—funded by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) and jointly implemented by the National Bureau of Statistics, Office of the Chief Government Statistician (Zanzibar), UNICEF Tanzania, National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program and Tanzania Health Promotion Support—delivers a clear message: progress is happening as evidenced by the following statistics:
For Girls:
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Sexual violence dropped from 33% (2009) to 11%
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Physical violence down from 76% to 24%
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Emotional violence slightly reduced from 25% to 22%
For Boys:
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Sexual violence down from 21% to 5%
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Physical violence fell from 74% to 21%
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Emotional violence declined from 31% to 16%
Data That Drives Action
Dr. Gwajima emphasized that these results are more than statistics—they are a call to action and a tool for transformation.
“This data gives us the power to do better. It equips the Government and our partners with the insights we need to strengthen programs, shape more effective policies, and scale up protection efforts. It’s how we break the cycle of violence once and for all.”
The findings will inform the implementation of Phase II of the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (2023–2030) and support other national initiatives, including early childhood development, positive parenting, online safety, and provision of survivor-centred services.
In his remarks during the announcement of the VACS 2024 findings, Andrew Lentz, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania said the United States is proud to partner with Tanzania in ensuring a brighter and safer future for all children and youth.
“Due to the policies and programs Tanzania has put in place since 2009, children are better protected today, than ever before”, he said.
The Road Ahead
While the progress is encouraging, the Government stresses that violence still exists—and eliminating it entirely remains a top priority.
“Let us be clear: no form of violence against children and youth is acceptable. We must continue to act—with urgency, unity, and unwavering commitment,” Dr. Gwajima said.
The Ministry is urging civil society, the private sector, the media, and all Tanzanians to join forces and build a nation where every child is protected, empowered, and given the chance to thrive.
VACS 2024 is the second of its kind, building upon the foundation of the landmark 2009 Violence Against Children Survey.
