is~ues were dealt with in a serious manner. The Government had completed the drafting of a policy on women in development in Tanzania, which would provide national guidelines for all issues concerning women. The governing party had begun a dialogue on population throughout the country in order to gather opinions and recommendations which would eventually be incorporated into a national population policy. In addition, the Umoja wa Wanawake wa Tanzania (UWT) had conducted a number of seminars with women on the issue of population. 148. The quota system was being used as a strategy to ensure that there were a minimum number of women at all decision-making levels. That system did not prevent women from seeking other seats in Parliament. All elections were open to both men and women. 149. The dowry system was not institutionalized by the Government but existed as a traditional and sometimes a religious practice. Although there was no legislation prohibiting that system, a degree of political pressure was being exerted to convince people to abandon it. As people of different tribes intermarried, the dowry system was in any case beginning to lose ground. I • • • CEDAW/C/SR.l57 English Page 25 (Mrs. Mongella, United Republic of Tanzania) 150. With regard to the issue of schoolgirl drop-outs, Education Act No. 25 of 1979 provided for sanctions against parents who allowed and encouraged their children to drop out of school before completing elementary school. While the problem of schoolgirl drop-outs had not yet been solved, a number of non-governmental organizations had begun to provide assistance in that area. 151. No action had been taken to stop polygamy, despite the concern shown by UWT on the issue. Women's organizations tended to criticize women themselves for being willing to marry a man who already had a wife. Thus, women were, in large part, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the social and political situation of women in Tanzania, specifically regarding their development, education, and family life. It mentions government policies, non-governmental organizations, and traditional practices that affect women's lives.

**Category**
Education, Humanitarian aid and relief