Tanzania and UNESCO Partner to Combat GBV in Digital and Media Spaces

The integration of this focus area underscores the urgent need to fortify safeguards in digital spaces, making them safer and more inclusive.

In a pioneering effort to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in digital and media platforms, UNESCO in Tanzania has joined forces with the Ministries responsible for Gender, Information, and Technology to integrate a new thematic pillar into the National Plan of Action for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (2025-2029).

This forward-thinking initiative responds to the growing threats faced by women and children both online and offline, especially as technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and media increasingly influence public narratives and individual experiences. The integration of this focus area underscores the urgent need to fortify safeguards in digital spaces, making them safer and more inclusive. Key Objectives of the Initiative:

Policy Enhancement: Strengthening national policies and regulations to address gender-based violence in digital and media environments.

Capacity Building: Equipping media and technology stakeholders with the skills and tools to identify, prevent, and address gendered online violence.

Public Awareness: Launching campaigns to raise awareness about digital safety, the consequences of online harassment, and the importance of respectful online interactions.

Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with media councils, tech companies, and regulatory bodies to create and maintain safe online environments.

With the alarming rise of AI-generated gender-based violence—including deepfake abuses, algorithmic discrimination, and targeted cyber harassment—this initiative is both timely and critical. It advocates for ethical AI development, enhanced media accountability, and the use of digital tools to protect rather than harm individuals.

UNESCO's commitment to this cause extends to:

Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms: Implementing robust systems to track and respond to online and media-based GBV.

Promoting Media and Information Literacy: Empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for digital safety and resilience.

Developing AI Ethics Frameworks: Ensuring AI technologies are designed and used in ways that uphold gender equality and safety.

The integration of this thematic area into the National Plan of Action (2025-2029) marks a significant step forward in using media and technology as tools to prevent violence, promote gender equality, and protect fundamental human rights.

As Tanzania leads this innovative effort, sustained collaboration, continuous innovation, and unwavering accountability will be essential in transforming the digital and media landscape into a safer, more inclusive space for all.