Absa donates TZS 10m to Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA) in support of gender-based violence victims labs

Absa Bank Tanzania Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Aron Luhanga, handover a dummy cheque or Tsh 10 million to Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA), Chief Executive Director, Ms. Tike Mwambipile (left) in Dar es Salaam today, to equip the association’s legal aid clinics in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha, Tanga and Dodoma to provide free and quality legal aid services to women and children victim of gender-based violence. Second left is TAWLA Head of Programs, Ms. Mary Richard and Absa Bank Citizenship Manager, Ms. Hellen Siria.

Absa Bank Tanzania has today donated TZS 10m to Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA) to equip legal aid clinics in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya, Arusha, Tanga and Dodoma to provide free and quality legal aid services to women and children victim of gender-based violence.

Speaking at the handover occasion ih Dar es Salaam today, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Aron Luhanga

said that, “Our passion for our communities is as strong as ever and our commitment to serve and protect them is unwavering. Therefore, we continue to invest in people’s wellbeing while ensuring we play a role in the society we exist in and serve."

Mr. Luhanga also added by saying that the GBV victims are of no difference from all other women and children but there is a special need for their legal support and a proper welfare support while at the legal aid clinics.

“Legal aid clinics for these women and children is very key for us at Absa considering these children have a greater impact into our country tomorrow and it will raise the families hope in taking care of the children but also empower women to have a voice in their communities and the children to have something better to look unto everyday as they aim to achieve their dreams,” said Mr. Luhanga.

Absa maintains a strong relationship with organizations such as TAWLA with purpose of bringing change to the community and providing support to the ongoing efforts the government still plays in developing the country at all levels.

Mr. Luhanga concluded by saying that Absa is a key role player in advancing several sectors in the country some of them being health, education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, environment, and social wellbeing. The bank ensures that every society investment is aligned with strengthening our relationship with the community, the organization we work with and the government.

Speaking at the event, the TAWLA’s Chief Executive Director, Ms. Tike Mwambipile, expressed gratitude to Absa Bank, stating that the assistance provided would help the organization reach communities in need of legal aid, especially women and children.

"This support from Absa Bank will also enable us to actively participate in Mama Samia's Legal Aid campaign, which focuses on providing legal assistance on issues related to gender-based violence, land disputes, inheritance, and human rights," said Ms. Tike.

Addressing some of the challenges they face, the Director mentioned the difficulty of reaching remote and rural areas, which are more affected by gender-based violence challenges, also highlighted that many legal professionals are concentrated in urban areas.