Urgent Need to Address Online Violence Against Women in Tanzania

Gender experts in Tanzania are urging urgent measures to tackle technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) as digital access grows rapidly in the country. Speaking at a national symposium called ‘Safer Digital Space for All,’ digital expert Mr Clarence Kipoboto highlighted that while Tanzania has made some progress in regulating online content and digital financial systems, there is still a lack of focused protection against online abuse targeting women. Emerging threats include sexual exploitation, cyberstalking, deepfakes, and other forms of technology-driven violations. The UNFPA Deputy Representative, Ms Melissa Barrett, warned that more women and girls are becoming vulnerable to these borderless harms, stressing that TFGBV is a serious human rights issue. Tanzanian laws such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Electronic and Postal Communications Act exist, but experts argue they do not specifically address gendered online abuse. Statistics show that nearly 40 percent of married women experience some form of partner violence, and over half of young women report online harassment. Experts recommend expanding national policies, strengthening collaboration among government, civil society, and tech companies, and improving digital literacy and online safety measures to create safer digital environments for women and girls in Tanzania.