Critically analysing the implementation of sexual and reproductive health rights of women in Tanzania mainland: Focusing on the protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the rights of women in Africa

Katabwa, Hope Henry

Critically analysing the implementation of sexual and reproductive health rights of women in Tanzania mainland: Focusing on the protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the rights of women in Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Public Law

Faculty

Faculty of Law

Abstract

Article 14 of the Maputo Protocol guarantees the right to sexual and reproductive health of women in Africa. This dissertation critically examines whether Tanzania Mainland being a state party to the Maputo Protocol honors its obligation to implement SRHR provisions among women in Tanzania Mainland. In analysing the implementation of SRHR, this study critically analyses the existing domestic laws and policies in Tanzania, and whether they have incorporated these rights. This study also analyses the progress Tanzania Mainland has made in ensuring that it provides for SRHR of women as is stipulated under the Maputo Protocol. Furthermore, using existing literature, this study examines the existing barriers that in one way or another hinder the effective implementation of these rights among women in Tanzania Mainland. This study finds that the existing gaps in Tanzanian laws and policies affect the ability of women to enjoy their right to sexual and reproductive health. Furthermore, existing barriers such as harmful cultural practices, the pluralistic legal nature of Tanzania, religion, and other institutional and economic barriers play a role in hindering the successful implementation of SRHR among women in Tanzania Mainland. This dissertation concludes by recommending the need to amend existing laws in Tanzania Mainland and align them to the SRHR provision in the Maputo Protocol, the need to educate women and the public on SRHR and the importance of allocating sufficient funds to ensure the realization of SRHR. Very little research has been done with regard to looking at the implementation of article 14 of the Maputo Protocol in Tanzania Mainland, therefore this study will highlight the current situation of Tanzania, and furthermore give guidance to law makers and human rights activists on what should be done to ensure effective realization of SRHR in the domestic system as is provided for in the Maputo Protocol.

Keywords

Tanzania

sexual and reproductive health rights

Reference:

Collections

Masters

Full item page