Tanzania’s Shinyanga Journalists Club Hailed for Leading Anti-Gender Violence Efforts
April 22, 2024
By Adonis Byemelwa-Pan Africa Vision.
In a stirring testament to the power of grassroots journalism, the Shinyanga Journalists Club stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) within the Shinyanga district. With unwavering dedication and bolstered by the support of the Women Fund Tanzania (WFT-Trust), this club has not only exposed the harrowing truths of GBV but has ignited a flame of transformation within the community.
Representatives such as Edmund Ardon, the District Social Development Officer, have lavished praise upon the club's multi-year endeavors, acknowledging journalists as indispensable catalysts for societal metamorphosis. Through their investigative projects, these journalists have wielded their pens as formidable weapons against GBV, effecting a significant reduction in its prevalence throughout Shinyanga.
In the heart of Tanzania, the Shinyanga Journalists Club stands as a beacon of change in the relentless battle against gender-based violence (GBV). Led by individuals like Ngassa Mboje, Chairman of the Shinyanga District Council, the club's unwavering commitment to eradicating GBV has reverberated across the region. Mboje's call for collaborative action underlines the pressing need for stakeholders and journalists to unite in this ongoing struggle.
Echoing this sentiment, Glory Mbia, Coordinator of the Women Fund Tanzania in Shinyanga, celebrates the tangible impact of the club's initiatives. Noting a significant decline in GBV cases since their inception, Mbia hails the Shinyanga Journalists Club as a beacon of hope for survivors and a catalyst for positive change.
Greyson Kakuru, Chairperson of the Shinyanga Journalists Club, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Women Fund Tanzania (WFT-Trust) for their unwavering collaboration and provision of grants aimed at combatting gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children. For three consecutive years, their joint efforts have resulted in the publication of 355 articles, catalyzing positive change and reducing instances of GBV within the Shinyanga district.
Highlighting the club's ongoing project, "Communities and Media in Ending Violence against Women and Children," Kakuru emphasized its alignment with the MTAKUWWA and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, focusing on the perspectives of women and children. Furthermore, Kakuru's announcement of the establishment of the Tanzania Network of Journalists on Gender Violence (TAJOGEV) marks a significant milestone in the nationwide fight against GBV, aiming to amplify anti-GBV efforts across Tanzania.
Press clubs, such as the one in Shinyanga, stand as formidable champions of accountability, transparency, and social justice. With unwavering dedication, journalists within these clubs not only report tirelessly but also wield their pens to reshape narratives and dismantle oppressive systems. Their efforts paved the way for a future characterized by equality, where gender-based violence finds no haven.
Moreover, press clubs and NGOs can further bolster their impact by addressing cultural norms and societal attitudes that perpetuate violence. By engaging in targeted awareness campaigns, strengthening legal frameworks, and collaborating with grassroots organizations and community leaders, they can effectively address the root causes of GBV and foster a culture of gender equality and respect.
Through these concerted efforts, press clubs and NGOs continue to be at the forefront of driving positive societal change and shaping a brighter future for all.
Drawing inspiration from successful models like the Rwanda Men's Resource Center (RWAMREC), press clubs, and NGOs in Shinyanga can take proactive steps to engage men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms and preventing GBV.
Through workshops, community outreach programs, and media campaigns, these organizations can promote positive masculinity and encourage men to become allies in the fight against GBV. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that addresses both cultural and structural factors contributing to GBV, Shinyanga press clubs and NGOs have the potential to play a pivotal role in creating lasting change.
As the Shinyanga Journalists Club continues to lead the charge in the fight against GBV, their unwavering commitment and innovative approaches serve as a beacon of hope for communities across Tanzania. By amplifying voices, challenging norms, and fostering dialogue, they are not just reporting on the issues; they are actively shaping a future where everyone can live free from violence and discrimination. Their efforts not only inspire others to join the fight but also serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of journalism and collective action. Together, they pave the way for a brighter, safer, and more equitable future for all.
The latest report from the Society for the Restoration and Support against Gender-based Violence (SRS-GBV) reveals a concerning surge in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in Shinyanga. Data indicates a staggering increase from 1419 cases in 2018 to 2397 in 2019, marking a troubling 26% surge of 978 cases within a single year. This alarming trend calls for urgent attention and intervention to address the escalating crisis. The report prompts a critical examination of the underlying factors contributing to this surge in reported GBV cases.
Beyond the numbers, the repercussions of unchecked GBV resonate on a societal and economic scale. The adverse effects cascade into hindering economic development, diverting resources intended for growth into combating the aftermath of GBV. The cost to Tanzania's GDP, estimated at $6.5 billion or 7%, underscores the magnitude of this crisis.
Moreover, GBV takes a toll on the manpower of the nation, resulting in poor health conditions, HIV, Sexual Transmission Infections (STIs), mental health issues, unwanted pregnancies, and abortions. The emotional scars inflicted on survivors manifest in heightened tension, low self-esteem, and, tragically, instances of suicide and the pursuit of vengeance when timely help is not accessible.
Meanwhile, the SRS-GBV, a prominent corporation in Sweden, has been at the forefront of efforts to build a gender-equal society free from violence. Since 2014, SRS-GBV has forged a unique Corporate Social Responsibility partnership with Union, Sweden's leading member organization for women's shelters. This partnership aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, both in public and private spheres, in alignment with SDG Target 5.2.
Through this collaboration, SRS provides security advisory services while Union educates SRS employees about gender-based violence. Union and its member organizations offer crucial support and protection to women, working tirelessly in prevention and advocacy. With over 130 women's shelters, young women's empowerment centers, and other support services under its umbrella, Unizon handles over 90,000 support cases each year, providing daily assistance to abused women, young adults, and children, regardless of their backgrounds.
SRS-GBV's commitment to human rights is reflected in its support for organizations like Unizon, as promoting equality is ingrained in its corporate values. All SRS employees actively participate in initiatives to prevent violence against women, incorporating valuable insights gained from the CSR partnership into their operations.
In Tanzania, organizations like Strength Inspiration, based in Dar es Salaam, have conducted studies shedding light on the root causes and consequences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). These findings underline the urgent need for press clubs and NGOs in regions like Shinyanga to take proactive steps in engaging men and boys, challenging harmful gender norms, and preventing GBV. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that addresses both cultural and structural factors contributing to GBV, these organizations have the potential to play a pivotal role in creating lasting change.
As the Shinyanga Journalists Club continues to lead the charge in the fight against GBV, their unwavering commitment and innovative approaches serve as a beacon of hope for communities across Tanzania. By amplifying voices, challenging norms, and fostering dialogue, they actively shape a future where everyone can live free from violence and discrimination. Their efforts not only inspire others to join the fight but also serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of journalism and collective action, paving the way for a brighter, safer, and more equitable future for all.
Source: Pan Africa vision
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