Cultural values and traditions that are considered inconsistent with children rights identified are: · Female genital mutilation which is harmful to women, particularly during child delivery. · Traditional dances during initiation ceremonies that encourage girls and boys to early sexual encounters. · Early and forced marriages. · Eating taboos that discourage pregnant women from eating nutritional food. · Customs that discourage education to children. · Child abuse and in particular harsh corporal punishment. Recommendations: · To prohibit and punish these practices · Wide dissemination to all members of the community of the harmful effects of these social and traditional practices. 2. MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE CHILD WELFARE AT NATIONAL TO THE VILLAGE LEVEL. The Child Forum identified the following as measures taken by the Government. · Tanzania has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its two optional protocols · Tanzania has ratified the Africa Charter of the Rights and Welfare of the Child · The establishment of homes for the most vulnerable children · Abolition of school fees for primary education · The increase of primary and secondary schools in the country · The provision for free primary health care for pregnant women and children under the age of five years · Prohibiting female genital mutilation 87