Negotiating Silence and Power: University Students’ Experiences of Gender-Based Violence Support Services in Tanzania

Abstract

This qualitative study examined university students’ awareness, socio-cultural barriers, and perceptions of institutional efficacy regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) support services in two universities in Mwanza, Tanzania. Anchored in an interpretivist paradigm, the study employed six focus group discussions, in-depth interviews with seven survivors, four key informant interviews with gender desk coordinators, presidents of students’ organisations and non-participant observation. The research drew on Foucault’s concept of power, the Social Ecological Model (SEM), and the Health Belief Model (HBM) to analyze findings. Results reveal a paradox: students possess broad conceptual understanding of GBV but have limited knowledge of formal support services. Socio-cultural barriers, including fear of retaliation, distrust of institutional confidentiality, internalized patriarchal norms, and inadequate infrastructure, further limit access. Survivors who engaged with support services reported generally positive experiences, though perceptions of bureaucratic inefficiency and weak action against offenders undermined broader trust. Students proposed strategies including online reporting platforms, improved service infrastructure, peer-led initiatives, and partnerships with external organizations.The study concluded that effective GBV interventions require decentralizing authority, legitimizing informal support networks, and implementing multi-tiered approaches to address structural and cultural barriers.