Habari Hub
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- Oct 28, 2015
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By Habari Hub Journalist
Zanzibar
June 17, 2025
Journalists in Tanzania have been urged to act as strong protectors of women contesting leadership positions by reporting and condemning any form of violence or discrimination against them during election periods.
This call was made by Dr. Mzuri Issa, Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association – Zanzibar (TAMWA ZNZ), during a one-day training held at the organization’s office in Tunguu. The training brought together journalists from various media outlets across the islands.
Dr. Mzuri emphasized that as the country approaches another election cycle, the role of the media is more crucial than ever in ensuring safety and dignity for female candidates.
“Journalists have a big responsibility to act as a protective shield for women contesting leadership positions, especially during campaigns when cases of violence and humiliation are common,” she said.
She also referenced several legal frameworks that support women's political participation, including the 2023 Political Parties Act, which was amended to include Clause 10C, requiring political parties to adopt gender policies and establish gender desks.
“We have laws encouraging women to participate in leadership. Journalists must amplify this and hold parties accountable,” Dr. Mzuri added.
She further encouraged media professionals to continue writing stories about successful women leaders as a way to inspire and motivate more women to enter leadership spaces.
“There are many women who have brought real change in politics, in organizations, and in business. Let’s write about them so society can recognize their impact,” she emphasized.
Khairat Haji, an officer from TAMWA ZNZ, highlighted the increasing danger of online harassment during elections, especially toward women.
“On social media, it has become normal for people to attack women for how they look instead of focusing on the message or content they share. That’s also a form of abuse, and journalists must speak out against it,” she said.
Some of the journalists who attended the training, including Berema Suleiman from Zenji FM and Huwaida Nassor, expressed gratitude for the session, saying it had broadened their understanding of the media’s role in safeguarding women’s political rights.
“This training has shown us how we can support women to exercise their right to vote and to be elected. We’re now more committed to amplifying women’s voices during this year’s general elections,” said Berema.
The one-day special training was organized by TAMWA-ZNZ in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). It brought together 30 journalists from across Zanzibar with the aim of strengthening media coverage and accountability in addressing violence against women during elections.
Zanzibar
June 17, 2025
Journalists in Tanzania have been urged to act as strong protectors of women contesting leadership positions by reporting and condemning any form of violence or discrimination against them during election periods.
This call was made by Dr. Mzuri Issa, Director of the Tanzania Media Women’s Association – Zanzibar (TAMWA ZNZ), during a one-day training held at the organization’s office in Tunguu. The training brought together journalists from various media outlets across the islands.
Dr. Mzuri emphasized that as the country approaches another election cycle, the role of the media is more crucial than ever in ensuring safety and dignity for female candidates.
“Journalists have a big responsibility to act as a protective shield for women contesting leadership positions, especially during campaigns when cases of violence and humiliation are common,” she said.
She also referenced several legal frameworks that support women's political participation, including the 2023 Political Parties Act, which was amended to include Clause 10C, requiring political parties to adopt gender policies and establish gender desks.
“We have laws encouraging women to participate in leadership. Journalists must amplify this and hold parties accountable,” Dr. Mzuri added.
She further encouraged media professionals to continue writing stories about successful women leaders as a way to inspire and motivate more women to enter leadership spaces.
“There are many women who have brought real change in politics, in organizations, and in business. Let’s write about them so society can recognize their impact,” she emphasized.
Khairat Haji, an officer from TAMWA ZNZ, highlighted the increasing danger of online harassment during elections, especially toward women.
“On social media, it has become normal for people to attack women for how they look instead of focusing on the message or content they share. That’s also a form of abuse, and journalists must speak out against it,” she said.
Some of the journalists who attended the training, including Berema Suleiman from Zenji FM and Huwaida Nassor, expressed gratitude for the session, saying it had broadened their understanding of the media’s role in safeguarding women’s political rights.
“This training has shown us how we can support women to exercise their right to vote and to be elected. We’re now more committed to amplifying women’s voices during this year’s general elections,” said Berema.
The one-day special training was organized by TAMWA-ZNZ in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). It brought together 30 journalists from across Zanzibar with the aim of strengthening media coverage and accountability in addressing violence against women during elections.
