More individuals are utilizing digital devices like smartphones as a result of technological improvements, which have produced a number of digital platforms and a sizable user base without any prior knowledge of digital rights and safety. The number of people using digital platforms has increased as a result of rising internet usage, the growth of social media, and the moving of opportunities to digital platforms.
Gender-based violence (GBV) online has increased in Tanzania as well as in our neighboring nations (Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda), with whom we have worked together to conduct multiple online GBV training through the Women @ web Project.
In order to address this, advocacy and education on safe spaces for women online were required. Women also needed to be made aware of the advantages and opportunities that come with being online and how to use the internet effectively.
While it is the duty of all digital citizens to contribute to promoting safe spaces, the police play a very significant role in holding those who engage in online-based violence accountable. This can only be done by having the capacity and digital skills necessary to understand how prominent Social media functions as well as the ability to conduct online patrols.
Sixty-eight police officers from the Gender Desk and Forensic Teams, including a sizable number from the Cyber Crime Department, recently participated in an intense 6-day training that we had the honor of leading from September 14 through September 19.
This effort, which aims to increase women's online involvement, was inspired by a stakeholder workshop we did on September 30, 2019, at a small gathering with a few partners under the hashtag #WomenAtWebTzSM. The event's theme was "Bridging the Gender Digital Divide in Tanzania." Freedom House Tanzania, Twaweza Tanzania, JamiiForums, the Tanzanian Police Force, The Launch Pad, Nukta Tanzania, the Tanzania Media Foundation, Data Lab Tanzania, the Swedish Embassy, the Human Development Innovation Fund (HDIF), MISA Tanzania,
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Tanzania, and the EU were among the fortunate organizations that sent representatives. Techniques for Training Tanzanian Police in Capacity Building. The training's results have been very eye-opening and a tremendous learning experience for both the participants and the women @ Web TZ. Even though this is only the first step, we have learned a lot over the past six days in addition to lobbying and raising awareness.
One of the many things Women @ Web TZ and others have discovered.
(i) The Police Force acknowledges there is a gap to be filled and an immediate need for Capacity Building in relation to the CyberCrime Laws & Regulations plus Digital Literacy.
(ii) The Police Force is very open to partners willing to collaborate to enhance the identified area (Cyber related laws & Digital Literacy), and they acknowledge that they have to partner with a variety of partners who support the agenda.
(iii) The Social Cultural Context and traditions have a lot of holding influence which if continuously unchecked, interferes a lot with the rights, especially of Women. Eg; we learned it’s not allowed for a female Police Officer to be provided with a firearm during any night patrol.
(iv) The Participants themselves are very open to new ideas, thoughts, and learnings but with plausible justifications.
(v) They are looking forward to lots of such engagements, not only from Women @ web Tanzania but any partners supporting the identified agenda.
The Women @ Web Project Tanzania is part of the project initiated and funded by DW Akademie aiming at promoting digital inclusion by promoting among others Digital Literacy among women in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda). The overall goal is to enhance women’s participation online and promote Safe Spaces.
- COCO NA DENGE LIMITED YOUTUBE SERIES.
- DIGITAL RESILIENCE TRAINING FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS, JOURNALISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENCE.
- ONLINE GENDER BASED VIOLENCE REPORTING JOURNALISM.