peri~dic reports on the Convention on the Right of the Child and the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. The government in its effort to comply with this article empowers women by establishing loan schemes such as the Women Development Fund (WDF) which also operate through - the Districts level to the grassroots. This loan scheme has been established to eradicate poverty among women in the country. Furthermore, the United Republic of Tanzania has developed a women and Gender Development Policy (2000) with the objectives of giving direction to stakeholders in advancing women socially, culturally, economically and politically. The Policy also provides guidelines for gender focus on mainstreaming gender in various programmes, women ownership of property, participation in decision making, in accessing business, credit facilities and technology. Gender Focal Points (GFP) have been established in all the Government set up at National level, Departments, Regional secretariats and the local government, authorities, with the view of bringing equality at all levels. The enactment of the Land Act CAP 113 R.E. 2002 and the Village Land Act CAP 114 R.E. 2002 of t~e same year provides for Gender equality in ownership, access and control over land. The adopted Micro Finance Policy (2000) clearly shows efforts done by the Government to mobilize women in communities to form savings and credit eo operative associations (SACCO's) and establishment of Community Banks that assists women to access Capital without depending on the support of men. The United Republic of Tanzania formulated and adopted the National Trade Policy in 2003 that examines, among other lhings, women and gender factors in vie\\. of the unique role as a productive force which is constrained by limitations in their accessibility to necessary production of capital, eradication and entrepreneurial skills. The establishment of the 'Tanzanian Chapter of the Eastern African 1\'etwork on the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation', which was fo rmed in year 200 l, to mark the commitment of the government regarding this issue. A National Plan of Action to 32