Analysis of Gender Inequalities in Migrants to Squatter Settlements in Mwanza City, Tanzania

This paper provides results from an analysis of gender inequalities in migrants to squatter settlements in Mwanza City, Tanzania. In its pursuit to glean out gender inequality aspects, Anomie Theory was employed. A mixed research approach and a case study strategy were used. Respondents encompassed local government leaders and residents in squatter settlements. Interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions yielded primary data, whereas documentary reviews furnished secondary data. Content analysis was used for qualitative data and simple statistics were employed for quantitative data. Results from this study revealed that there were more women than men who migrated to squatter settlements and more women than men owned houses. Gender-based violence that included wife battering, accusations of sorcery and genital mutilation led women and girls, respectively, to escape rural areas to Mwanza City for safety. Individuals with deviant behaviours included thugs, robbers, drug addicts, alcoholics and prostitutes. Government law enforcement agents deal with deviant behaviours in the city including squatter areas. In its pursuit through employed Anomie Theory as a conjectural lens, results from the study led the researcher to discern the implications of the research. Thus, it is recommended that there is a need for all persons as individuals, civil society organizations and the government to vehemently deal with Gender-Based Violence both in rural and urban areas. Through concerted efforts by identified players together with the government, it will be possible to increase the fight against deviant behaviours in Mwanza city areas