Tanzanian School Women Talking: Are the Traditional Patterns of Thinking Changing?

Abstract

In this article the author presents and discusses responses given by Form IV
students who were about to sit for their Certificate of Secondary Education
Examinations. Using focus group discussion method, the school young women
were asked a number of questions whose answers form part of this report. The
findings show that their attitudes and values are largely embedded within the
sexual stereotyped expectations with very few exceptions. The author concludes
by saying that attitudes die hard, and it is up to the society in general-and
women in particular-to vigorously change the status quo through raising women
awareness, and providing opportunities to women in areas hitherto men
monopolised to'improve the image and the well-being of women so that equality
between men and women is a reality in practice.