Dr Dorothy Gwajima, Tanzania’s Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, called for safer digital spaces to empower women and combat gender-based violence (GBV) during the 6th African Union High-Level Meeting on Women, Peace and Security.She highlighted how technology and artificial intelligence can educate communities about GBV’s impacts while amplifying women’s voices.However, she warned against digital platforms being weaponized to silence female leaders.

Tanzania has launched its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, alongside legal reforms like the 2024 Election Act to boost women’s political participation.Economic empowerment initiatives, such as allocating 10% of local government revenues as loans for women, aim to reduce vulnerability to abuse.Despite progress, challenges like online harassment, hate speech, and cultural barriers persist.

Gwajima stressed the need for collaboration between governments, civil society, and regional institutions to ensure women lead without fear of violence or intimidation.