The Role of ODL System in Promotion and Protection of the Right to Education for Women in Tanzania: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Right to education is both constitutional and human right protected in the constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania. Being a constitutional right, education ought to be protected and promoted by the state apparatuses so as to ensure optimum utilization of it. Among others, establishing academic institutions is one amongst initiatives implemented by the governments to ensure access to education for all. Women being one sect of the population, considered to be disadvantageous group in the country for enjoyment of rights, including right to education. Since its inception in 1992 the Open University of Tanzania distinguished itself from traditional conventional academic institutions in the country, for adopting the ODL system that allow beneficiaries to study while continuing with other roles. Its main focus is to be a leading academic institution for affordable and quality education for all. Having the phrase ‘for all’ signifies among others, highly respect for gender and other disadvantageous groups in terms of physical disability and those who couldn’t secure access to full time study schedules in conventional Universities. This paper highlights the role played by ODL system in insuring the protection and promotion of the rights to education for women. In discussion the paper provides analysis of achievements made by ODL system in providing quality and affordable education for women vis a vis other conventional academic institutions. The hypothesis this paper intends to prove is that, ODL system is the best and reliable alternative for women to attain their educational rights once faced challenges for not being accepted in the conventional systems.