As its derived from the objectives and focus of
RARUDEIF is to support the rural community, this concept will be direct
concerned with the issue patterned the society on the civic and political
condition and their performance in major of our part by being rural community
where statistical cover more than 80% of Tanzanians and more than 70% are
located in remote area and non-literate.
The Tanzania 1977 constitution is the main legal
documents from which other policies and legal document are born and follow,
although its importance these document has no knowledge and even information
about it and as long as we are in period of construction of new one.
RARUDEIF has been working with communities in
the project area and in the course of our implementing our other activities we
have learnt that community members in the rural areas and specifically women
and youth both literal and non-literal lack important information and awareness
on their right to participate in National governing issues. They do not know
their individual voice and contribution can real make changes and contribute
towards their own development. This has reduced their motivation and
preparedness to participate in the constitutional affairs process. This lack of
information and awareness has made them believe that constitution is meant for
some people who are not in their cadre. They do not know their role,
responsibility and rights as citizens of Tanzania and the impact of their
contribution and ideas in accountability and in putting the right and basic in
constitution as the basic fundamental law which govern them.
Since most of these people are located in remote
areas, they are poor and non literate, they do not have access to knowledge and
awareness of what is going on in our nation and general civic education which
is usually provided in the media and other facilities usually accessed by
wealthy people. These people cannot afford to own or even access TV, Radio or
Newspaper. They just depend on the word of mouth which is sometimes misleading
o not available at particular time and areas. Most of the organizations which
are involved with awareness creation in these areas often tend to reach only
easily accessible areas, leaving these people behind.
Women in most of the project areas are
marginalized and culture, norms and lifestyle has left them behind and made
them believe that they do not have any important count or part in the national
constitution and they whole process of getting new one. We have seen in some
areas that women are not allowed to participate in governmental or political issues
and affairs and lose their right to know and defend their part and sometimes
lose their rights. Gender relations have made them believe that their role and
place is just in raising children and kitchen. Also because of their busy
schedules, they do not find time and need to listen to the radio or even read
news papers and brochures/leaflets. Men also want to maintain their superior
position in the community and hence worsen the situation of women participation
in politics.
Youth in and out of school are ignorant of their
rights, roles and responsibilities in the construction and supporting new
constitution process. We have seen in some areas they have attitude that this
activity is old fashioned and is meant for older people, without considering
they will be using it in their future and present. Ignorance has made them not
participate in village meetings, political concerns, matters and education and hence
miss important information and support about their rights and impact of their
active participation in making of new Constitution process.