Zanzibar’s Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children has announced a major expansion of its efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and improve child protection services across the islands.The ministry is seeking parliamentary approval for a budget of 26.57 billion Tanzanian shillings for the 2026/2027 financial year to support both recurrent and development programmes aimed at vulnerable groups.

According to Minister Anna Athanas Paul, the funding will support the implementation of key national strategies, including the Second National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (2025–2030) and the second phase of the Social Protection Policy.These initiatives are designed to empower women economically and socially while improving protection systems for children and elderly citizens.The ministry also plans to finalise a revised Gender Policy and introduce a new Child Act to better respond to modern social challenges.Strengthening early childhood development systems and expanding access to social protection services are also key priorities.

Over the past year, Zanzibar recorded notable progress in welfare programmes, including an increase in social pension beneficiaries from 30,127 in 2020 to 33,881 in March 2026.

Additionally, 31,221 social service identity cards were issued, while 144 women were supported to start small businesses as part of economic empowerment efforts.

In terms of child protection, the ministry handled 657 cases of child rights violations, many involving neglect and custody disputes affecting hundreds of children.GBV response services also provided temporary shelter to 49 survivors, including women and men.The juvenile justice system supported rehabilitation programmes for minors, while some children were reunited with their families.

Authorities also continue to monitor childcare centres to ensure compliance with standards and use recent survey findings to improve services and psychosocial support systems across Zanzibar.