Category: The Citizen

Meatu. Residents of Sakasaka Ward in Meatu District, Simiyu Region, have expressed fear and distress following repeated elephant invasions from Maswa Game Reserve, which have endangered lives, destroyed property and caused injuries and deaths.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi on October 5, 2025, locals said the problem has persisted for years, forcing some families to relocate to avoid attacks. Samson Mathias, a resident of Sakasaka village, said elephants often cross the reserve’s boundaries, raiding homes and farms.

“Elephants break houses, destroy crops, and even kill people. Some residents have moved away out of fear.

We urge the government to take urgent action,” he said. Ramadhani Said added that most attacks occur at night.

“We cannot sleep. When elephants invade, they destroy property and eat crops, and we have to chase them ourselves to reduce damage, which is dangerous,” he explained.

Mathias Nghumbu suggested erecting specialised fences to prevent elephants from entering settlements and recommended keeping bees around the reserve’s perimeter, a method proven effective elsewhere due to elephants’ fear of bees. CCM council candidate for Sakasaka Ward, Emanuel Maliganya, said elephant attacks have caused four deaths in the past five years.

“If elected for a second term, I will work with the government to find a permanent solution. Wildlife ranger posts are already being built, and local youth have received training to manage elephants safely,” he stated.

The Tanzania Wildlife Authority (Tawa) confirmed measures are underway, including increasing ranger patrols and installing equipment to track elephants leaving the reserve. Speaking on behalf of the Maswa Reserve warden, Omary Khalid, said: “We recognise the challenges facing Sakasaka residents.

We plan to increase patrols and strengthen collaboration between wildlife officers and neighbouring villages. We also encourage elephant-friendly methods, such as beekeeping and chilli farms.

” Tawa urged residents to report early signs of elephant movements so rangers can intervene promptly and reduce damage. Humanelephant conflict remains a major challenge in areas bordering reserves and wildlife conservation zones, with experts emphasising community involvement and wildlife-friendly prevention strategies as key to reducing clashes.

.

Babati. The CCM presidential candidate, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has reiterated her government’s commitment to ensuring that Manyara citizens equally benefit from development in key sectors such as internet access, agriculture, livestock keeping, and business opportunities.

President Hassan made the remarks on Saturday, October 4, 2025, during a campaign rally held in Babati District, Manyara Region. Addressing the rally, President Hassan said sectors like the internet, agriculture, livestock, and business are key components in driving local economies and improving livelihoods.

She also mentioned that such efforts “have been expanded through national development,” with education and schools receiving particular attention. “No one will be left behind.

We must all work together for collective progress,” she said, repeating the phrase “tasipana” several times during her address, calling for unity and shared responsibility. The ruling party’s presidential hopeful referred to the progress made in the tourism sector, noting that Tanzania has now reached five million tourist arrivals.

She said the figure was guided by the national development plan. Efforts will continue to attract more visitors to local destinations, further boosting the tourism sector’s growth.

“Tourism now contributes significantly, whether through honey or other resources,” said President Hassan, emphasising the need to continue promoting tourism-linked activities at the community level. In her speech, she also touched on water resource development, saying the government has already allocated funding to construct infrastructure that will address challenges in water access, particularly in lake regions, including Babati.

“This period may be slightly challenging, but we are moving forward. The government has disbursed funds for installing systems to manage water bodies, not only in Babati but across the lake regions,” she said.

President Hassan cited the current manifesto as a reference point for the plans being implemented in cooperation with local communities. “We must implement local strategies and development actions by working together with the people,” she stressed.

The rally in Babati was attended by party supporters, government officials, and residents from various parts of Manyara Region. The CCM parliamentary candidate for Babati Urban, Mr Emmanuel Khambay, pledged major reforms in the education sector and economic empowerment initiatives if elected in the upcoming general election.

He emphasised the need to modernise Tanzania’s education curriculum to meet current job market demands. “We must shift from outdated syllabuses and focus on practical skills that will empower our children to be employable or to employ themselves,” he said, adding that, unlike previous years, today’s youth must be given the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

Mr Khambay noted that the current curriculum does not fully prepare students for the realities of the job market. He stressed the importance of aligning education with technological advancements and modern-day challenges.

“This is no longer the era of theoretical learning alone. We must equip our youth with 21st-century knowledge and skills,” he said.

He promised to prioritise investment in infrastructure, including schools, health centres, and road networks, to unlock the region’s economic potential. “With better infrastructure and strong economic policies, the people of Babati will not only improve their living standards but also contribute meaningfully to national growth,” he said.

The rally, attended by hundreds of supporters, also featured remarks from the former Babati MP who served in the previous parliamentary term, Mr Christopher Ole Sendeka, who praised the people of Babati for their unity and resilience, urging them to remain focused on development. “We have had our share of challenges, but we have always stood together.

The people of Babati have shown unity, trust, and love for one another,” he said, insisting on the persistence of that spirit. Mr Sendeka endorsed Mr Khambay’s candidacy, expressing confidence in his leadership and vision for the constituency.

“I believe he has what it takes to bring progress to Babati Urban. Let us give him our full support,” he added.

.

Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after being convicted on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. The ruling, delivered on Friday, October 3, 2025, by a Manhattan court, concludes a months-long trial that captivated the entertainment industry and the public alike.

Combs was arrested in September 2024 following a federal investigation into allegations of abuse, misconduct, and coercion, which culminated in his high-profile trial earlier this year. While acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges, prosecutors argued that Combs’ abuse of power and pattern of exploitation warranted a harsh penalty.

They had sought a sentence of more than 11 years, but Judge Arun Subramanian imposed a term of just over four years. Addressing the court, Combs described his past behaviour as “shameful and sick” and pleaded for leniency.

The judge acknowledged his philanthropic work but stressed that fame and success cannot excuse criminal conduct. Alongside his prison term, Combs was fined $500,000 and ordered to serve five years of supervised release.

The sentence marks a dramatic fall for the Bad Boy Records founder, who built a multibillion-dollar empire spanning music, fashion, and media. Combs’ legal team has vowed to appeal, signalling that the case is far from over.

His conviction comes amid broader scrutiny of the entertainment industry over exploitation and abuse. Legal analysts say the ruling could have lasting implications, potentially influencing how courts handle cases involving high-profile figures and abuse of power.

Supporters of Combs expressed shock at the sentence, while victims’ rights advocates described it as a measure of justice. The trial also sparked wider debate about accountability for public figures, the influence of celebrity culture, and the law’s reach.

Combs, once considered one of the most influential figures in global entertainment, now faces a future defined by his conviction. As the appeal process begins, the case is certain to remain a major talking point within legal and cultural circles.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania will be represented by four young cyclists at the Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025, set for October 5 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Organised by Jubilee Insurance, the event promotes healthy living, youth empowerment, and regional sporting unity. The Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025 is among East Africa’s premier cycling events, attracting competitors from across the region.

For Tanzania it presents an important platform to strengthen the country’s cycling culture and allow emerging athletes to compete internationally. The Tanzanian contingent comprises three men and one woman, selected through a rigorous national process by the Tanzania Cycling Association (TCA).

The participants are Ms Asnat Moris, Mr Frank Marik, Mr Hassan Sharif, and Mr Waziri Masoli. The Talent Development Committee at TCA, Chairperson, Dr Judith Mashala, said the team was chosen from a wide pool of talent identified through competitions held over the past two years.

“We are sending four young cyclists to represent Tanzania at the Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025. Our association organises competitions across the country, and these cyclists have proven themselves as the most capable,” she said. She noted the athletes recently competed in Rwanda and are now intensively preparing for Nairobi.

“This race is not just about competition. It promotes health, wellness, and community development,” she added.

Jubilee Health Insurance Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harold Adamson, said the partnership with TCA reflects the company’s commitment to the event and to youth development. “Our flag will fly high.

We are preparing well with this team of four. Sport promotes health and well-being, and we are creating opportunities for people to exercise and live healthier lives,” said Dr Adamson.

Jubilee Life Insurance Corporate Financial Officer, Mr Hillary Godson, emphasised the company’s commitment to youth through sport. “We are dedicated to standing with young people and helping them achieve their dreams.

Exercise is vital for daily life, enabling youth to live freely and without stress,” he said. “We work with communities to nurture talent.

Sport is talent, and we support the government’s efforts to empower youth through self-employment,” he added. The Grand Nairobi Jubilee ‘Live Free’ Race 2025 is expected to draw strong participation this year, with athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania vying for honours.

The event combines sport with community engagement, underscoring the values of unity, health, and youth development. For Tanzania, participation in the race is part of a broader strategy to raise the profile of cycling, nurture local talent, and inspire the next generation of sportspeople.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) has cautioned entrepreneurs planning to establish petrol stations across the country to secure official construction permits before commencing work, warning that failure to comply could result in heavy penalties.

The warning came in a press statement issued on Friday, October 3, 2025, during a consultative meeting in Iringa, amid reports that some investors, particularly in rural districts, were rushing to build stations without following due process. Ewura said such practices undermine regulatory standards and pose safety, health, and environmental risks.

Ewura Central Zone Manager, Ms Hawa Lweno, told stakeholders from the downstream petroleum, electricity, and water sectors that anyone intending to build a petrol station must first obtain a construction permit from the authority. “Failure to comply with this legal requirement will attract a fine of up to Sh20 million,” she stressed.

Ms Lweno explained that the permit process is more than a formality, noting that it enables Ewura’s technical teams to inspect sites to ensure compliance with national standards, including fire safety systems, environmental protection measures, and safe distances from schools, hospitals, and residential areas. “This permit is essential because it allows our experts to confirm that construction meets the required health, safety, and environmental benchmarks,” she added.

The government has recently encouraged investment in fuel retailing, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to reliable energy remains a challenge. However, officials insist growth must be orderly.

Observers note a surge in applications to build fuel stations, driven by expanding road networks and growing demand for transport and logistics. Yet, unregulated construction risks accidents, fuel leakages, and breaches of urban planning laws.

At the Iringa meeting, one participant, Mr David Mlyapatali, praised Ewura’s outreach, saying many entrepreneurs enter the fuel retail business without understanding their obligations. “This meeting has been very beneficial because it has given us clarity on the procedures and our responsibilities,” he said.

Under the Petroleum Act and Ewura regulations, investors must first apply for a construction permit and undergo technical reviews before receiving an operating licence. Noncompliance can lead to fines, closure orders, or legal action.

Ms Lweno emphasised that Ewura welcomes investment but will not compromise on safety. “Follow the law first.

Doing so protects your business and the community you serve,” she stressed. The Iringa session is part of Ewura’s nationwide drive to sensitise fuel station investors about construction and operational rules, signalling clearly that shortcuts will not be tolerated.

.

Arusha. The East African Business Council (EABC) has officially launched a digital information desk to assist small-scale cross-border traders in overcoming non-tariff barriers (NTBs), a persistent obstacle to regional trade within the East African Community (EAC).

The launch, which was held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the TavetaHolili border, coincided with a three-day training programme titled “Capacity Building on Financial Literacy, Business Management and Gender-Sensitive Practices in Cross-Border Trade.” The training brought together more than 100 traders dealing in agricultural produce, vegetables, and fruits from the border region.

EABC’s Research, Policy and Trade in Goods Officer, Mr Gift Mbuya, told reporters that the initiative is part of the “Promoting Intra-EAC Agri-Food Cross-Border Trade by Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade.” Project.

“This project seeks to increase the participation of women and youth-led agri-food traders and boost the volume of cross-border trade, particularly in maize, rice, beans, soybeans, and horticultural products along selected EAC trade corridors,” said Mr Mbuya. The three-year project (20252027), implemented by EABC in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), aims to empower about 2,440 women and youth traders across the region.

It focuses on reducing the cost and time of trade by eliminating NTBs, strengthening traders’ knowledge of trade facilitation instruments such as the Simplified Trade Regime (STR), and expanding access to digital trade portals and information booths at border points. The initiative is backed by a $399,900 grant from AGRA, with funding support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

Implementation involves close collaboration with the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), with EABC serving as lead coordinator. AGRA, an African-led and farmer-centred institution, is committed to transforming African agriculture from subsistence-based production into a commercially viable sector that enhances food security, nutrition, and household incomes.

During the training, the Deputy Director of Regional Integration at the EAC Affairs Ministry, Ms Mary Maisory, said that despite progress in reducing customs tariffs within the bloc, NTBs remain a major hindrance. “Traders still face delays in cargo clearance, unnecessary inspections, uncoordinated procedures, and limited awareness of trade documentation and standards,” said Ms Maisory.

“Building capacity and confidence among traders will help them understand the EAC’s STR, sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS), product standards, and how to report and resolve NTBs,” she added. She said addressing NTBs, strengthening cross-border infrastructure, and ensuring women and youth benefit fully from EAC opportunities are essential for the region’s economic growth.

“Empowering small-scale cross-border traders is not just about boosting trade, it is about transforming lives, uplifting communities, and building an inclusive and sustainable East African Community,” she said. Furthermore, Ms Maisory called on participants to make full use of the training sessions, networking opportunities, and policy discussions to advance their businesses and contribute to the prosperity of their nations.

.

Dar es Salaam. From modest beginnings, the Tanzania Health Summit (THS) has grown into a force shaping the national health agenda, bringing together leading minds to devise solutions for the country’s most pressing medical challenges.

The 12th THS 2025, held from October 1 to 3 in Dar es Salaam, drew more than 1,500 participants from within and outside Tanzania, underscoring its stature as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and reform. Speaking to The Citizen on Friday, October 3, 2025, THS Board Chairperson, Dr Chakou Halfani Tindwa, said the initiative has become a driver of change in the health sector.

“We have become a catalyst for technology adoption in hospitals, for stronger scientific collaboration, and for development projects,” he said. Established during the Kikwete administration and sustained under Presidents Magufuli and Samia Suluhu Hassan, THS has served as a platform for knowledge exchange and accelerated improvements in healthcare delivery.

According to Dr Tindwa, THS has had a tangible impact on cost, quality, and access. Stakeholder participation has risen sharply, with numbers climbing from around 500 in its early years to between 1,500 and 1,700 annually today.

International engagement has also expanded, from 15 foreign delegates at the start to about 300 this year, including 11 ambassadors. “This shows how the summit has distinguished itself,” he said, noting that government support reflects recognition of its value.

Capacity building is a key pillar of THS: “Every year, we train over 100 people. This year, we trained 150, who will return to rural districts and become leaders in their health systems.

” By investing in people, the summit ensures that improvements extend to remote areas, not only Dar es Salaam. This year’s summit aligned with a broader government drive to digitise healthcare.

At the opening, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, announced that a Digital Health Strategy 20252030 is being prepared. The strategy will integrate artificial intelligence, safeguard data privacy, and expand digital literacy among health workers.

“Digital innovation will transform the health sector and help save lives,” he said. Dr Shekalaghe linked the summit’s theme, Harnessing Data Utilisation and Technologies to Accelerate Universal Health Coverage, to Tanzania’s goal of ensuring equitable access to healthcare.

“Data and technology are no longer luxuries in healthcare but indispensable tools,” he stressed. Experts agreed that THS has become vital in aligning health policy with practice.

Public health specialist and digital health advocate, Dr Eunis Mremi, described the summit as a bridge between different stakeholders. “This summit provides technicians, clinicians, policymakers, and donors with a shared space.

That alignment is vital if we are to scale innovations, especially in rural districts,” she said. Health systems economist, Mr Juma Mwakyusa, highlighted THS’s role in tackling fragmentation.

“Silos remain a persistent challenge. When NGOs, hospitals, and governments meet under one roof, we can harmonise digital systems, standards, data definitions, and procurement plans.

That is what THS enhances,” he said. A major achievement has been advancing interoperability, allowing hospital systems, laboratories, logistics, and health information platforms to communicate seamlessly.

This enhances datadriven planning, reduces duplication, and improves resource efficiency Operating as a non-profit, THS’s mission is to promote healthcare for disadvantaged communities. Over the years, it has grown into Tanzania’s largest annual health platform.

Its stature, according to Dr Tindwa, has given it legitimacy and increasing self-sustainability, with local contributions and revenue now covering more of its costs. “We are not just convening.

We are building leaders, connecting innovators, and improving services across the country,” he said. If its momentum is sustained, Tanzania’s health sector, and the people it serves, stand to gain significantly.

.

Unguja. The NCCR-Mageuzi presidential candidate for Zanzibar, Ms Laila Rajab Khamis, has pledged to tackle unemployment, enhance healthcare provisions, and significantly boost trade across the islands if elected.

Ms Khamis made the declaration on Friday, October 3, 2025, during the official launch of the party’s campaign at the Nego Kibanda Maiti Grounds in the Mjini Magharibi Region. Acknowledging the incumbent government’s existing achievements, Ms Khamis stated that the NCCR ticket intended to deliver far greater progress.

“If we come to power, we shall ensure health services improve and that Zanzibari children are educated to become champions,” she affirmed. She emphasised that employment goes beyond mere job creation, extending to improved remuneration.

“We shall employ citizens within their own areas and increase salaries by 80 percent,” she promised. Ms Khamis addressed the persistent unemployment crisis, stating that the NCCR Mageuzi government would construct numerous factories to eliminate the problem.

“We urge you to vote for us so you may witness the great things we shall achieve once we assume office,” she stated. She pledged that, if elected, she would establish Unguja’s finest market and reinstate crucial loans for traders within her first 100 days in office.

“Mothers, this shall mark the end of your struggles. I will establish a large market here at Kibanda Maiti, unlike anything seen previously, where every trader can bring their goods in their own vehicles,” said Ms Khamis.

Earlier, the party’s running mate for the Union presidency, Ms Eveline Munisi, stated their central goal is to introduce reforms across all sectors in Tanzania. Ms Munisi argued that Zanzibar is economically wealthy, yet its populace does not reap the full benefits.

“Zanzibar has extensive fisheries, but no one benefits. We have come to bring change; we shall provide modern boats for all fishermen,” she declared.

Ms Munisi confirmed the party plans to build an inclusive economy to ensure unemployment is no longer a grievance among Zanzibari youth. “Tourism is performing well, but youth do not benefit.

We shall ensure inclusive growth so that young people gain. The education you possess is sufficient; you should not struggle further.

NCCR-Mageuzi is here to end your complaints,” she stressed. She added that no investment would proceed without significant youth participation, guaranteeing that no future grievances arise.

The party would also empower women by granting them the necessary loans, thereby ending the cycle of exploitative borrowing practices. “When we speak of economic growth, we must view it from the perspective of every Zanzibari, not just as a statistical figure in a report.

When the economy grows, even essential medicines will be provided free of charge,” she maintained. On healthcare, she insisted it is not merely about constructing large physical facilities, but about fundamentally improving service delivery.

“The one party capable of delivering this is only NCCR-Mageuzi. We shall ensure there are sufficient doctors and nurses, and that medicines are readily available in all hospitals,” she confirmed.

Regarding peace, Ms Munisi said they have endeavoured hard to maintain stability, which is why they seek a mandate to organise and improve life for Zanzibaris so that peace endures through the development of a ‘Blue Economy’. “We want to see Zanzibari prosperity for all,” she said.

NCCR’s Deputy Secretary-General in Zanzibar, Mr Ameir Mshindani, said that if elected, they would end the denial of crucial identity cards to rightful Zanzibaris and ensure that local youth are employed in the tourism sector, replacing foreign workers. Deputy Secretary-General for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Martini Mgogo, said their first official agenda is achieving national consensus because currently every group pursues its own distinct agenda.

He stressed that the Union’s existence cannot be merely a single party’s policy, but rather requires agreement through extensive dialogue and genuine consensus. .

Dar es Salaam. As global temperatures rise, new research has found that growing trees alongside crops could protect millions of Tanzanian farmers from the life-threatening health impacts of extreme heat.

The Kisiki Hai Sustainable Heat Adaptation Development (KISHADE) project has produced the first scientific evidence showing that trees within croplands can significantly reduce heat stress among agricultural workers. The study was conducted in four Dodoma Region districts: Chamwino, Bahi, Kongwa, and Mpwapwa, aimed to evaluate heat adaptation interventions to help manage heat’s health effects.

The research is a collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Dodoma, Muhimbili National Hospital, and MetaMeta. The findings, presented on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the sideline meeting of the 12th Tanzania Health Summit, were made possible through the LEAD Foundation.

An internal medicine specialist and Director of Curative Services at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dr Faraja Chiwanga, who leads the project under LEAD, said the aim is to determine whether agroforestry can improve farmers’ health by transforming their immediate environment. “For years, farmers engaged in the Kisiki Hai (Live Stump) programme, which has restored more than 30 million trees across 260,000 households, have reported that trees offer natural cooling.

The KISHADE project is scientifically testing that claim,” she said. Dr Chiwanga noted that the project, the first of its kind in Tanzania, is funded by the Wellcome Trust and seeks to provide concrete data rather than anecdotal evidence on the health benefits of agroforestry.

With over 70 percent of Tanzania’s workforce engaged in agriculture and exposed to extreme outdoor conditions, the study aims to answer a pressing question: Can trees shield farmers from deadly heat? “The need for this research is dire. Farmers are increasingly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular strain,” said Dr Chiwanga.

“The absence of shade or cooling infrastructure makes heat stress a major obstacle to both well-being and productivity,” she added. Researchers are using innovative tools to gather evidence as farmers are observed in their daily routines while wearing sensors that monitor body temperature and heart rate.

She said urine and blood samples are also analysed to assess long-term health impacts. By comparing data from farmers practising agroforestry with those who do not, and using advanced climate sensors, the team sought to determine precisely how trees help protect health.

Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Dar es Salaam and co-researcher, Dr Richard Sambaiga, said community participation was crucial. “Farmers have welcomed the wearable technology, showing strong engagement.

Ethical approvals were secured without difficulty, and the detailed weather data collected in the first phase has laid a solid foundation for the next stages,” he said. He emphasised that community sensitisation and involvement have been central to the project’s early success.

Beyond the immediate findings, KISHADE is also strengthening local capacity by training young Tanzanian researchers in advanced scientific and field methods, ensuring long-term benefits. The project’s outcomes are expected to influence not only farmers but also policymakers, health professionals, and government agencies.

Non-governmental organisations and international partners stand to benefit from new insights into nature-based climate adaptation. At the same time, donors will gain evidence on the value of investing in environmental and health resilience.

The data on microclimates and human health will contribute to global research on planetary health, with lessons applicable in other heat-stressed regions. Farmers are already noticing changes, as Mr Henry Mubi from Kongwa District in Dodoma says, “The heat is unbearable.

It shortens our working hours and makes farming harder.” “We suffer headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.

With fewer working hours, income falls too. But crops planted in shaded areas survive longer during heatwaves,” he added.

An occupational health expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Ivan Ivanov, described the research as a landmark effort. “This is a vital contribution to understanding how nature-based solutions can safeguard human health in a warming world,” he said.

.

Dar es Salaam. Activists have renewed calls for the government to amend outdated laws, especially aspects of customary law they say underpin much genderbased violence, as cases continue to rise, particularly those facilitated through digital platforms.

The appeal came on Friday, 3 October 2025, from Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF). This occurred during the National Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Violence and Violence Against Women in Elections.

The dialogue is part of ongoing efforts leading to the global 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence campaign. The WiLDAF National Coordinator, Ms Anna Kulaya, reiterated the urgent need for legal reforms, noting that activists have long urged the government to review laws that deny women equal rights to property and inheritance.

“For many years, we have been advocating for changes to customary laws that deny women the right to inherit land and other property. This denial has caused psychological violence and, in some cases, discouraged women from seeking political positions due to online harassment,” she said.

She noted that while technology is a powerful tool, it has also become a channel for abuse. Women engaging in public or political life increasingly face offensive messages on social media, which can discourage their participation and harm their mental health.

According to her, the gathering brought together stakeholders to develop concrete recommendations for government consideration. She emphasised the importance of digital literacy and community awareness to ensure technological spaces uphold women’s dignity and rights.

Citing UN Women research, Ms Kulaya revealed that over 80 per cent of women have experienced various forms of violence, including psychological abuse and technologyfacilitated harassment. She urged the government to address stakeholder demands to update laws in line with present challenges.

“There are several laws requiring urgent amendment, such as the Marriage Act. Other countries have enacted specific legislation to tackle genderbased violence.

As technology, including AI, becomes part of daily life, we must act now,” she added. Tanzania Women CrossParty (TWCP) Country Coordinator, Dr AveMaria Semakafu, said online abuse is a serious threat, instilling fear among women and discouraging political and leadership participation.

“For example, a woman may receive abusive messages directly to her phone and, even with clear evidence, fails to obtain justice,” she said. She added that courts sometimes refuse to accept mobile messages as evidence because laws still discriminate against women.

Dr Semakafu said online abuse also occurs within close relationships, where women receive threatening messages from partners or relatives urging them to withdraw from public engagement or leadership. “As a result, many women fear claiming their democratic rights.

Through this platform, we aim to develop a joint resolution that will awaken and engage key stakeholders,” she said. .