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UNESCO breaks the silence on Gender-Based Violence with the launch of the Safer Campuses Campaign in Tanzania
In today's diverse and dynamic academic environments, fostering learning spaces that are both safe and inclusive is essential. Such spaces ensure that every individual including students, academic and non-academic staff, and stakeholders within the campus ecosystem feels secure, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Safer Campuses Campaign is an integral part of the UNESCO Our Rights Our Lives Our Future Plus (O3PLUS) project, designed to combat gender-based violence within universities and enhance student well-being across Eastern and Southern Africa. Its goal is to create safer, more supportive environments for students while raising awareness and driving positive change in the region.
On 20th November 2024 in Mwanza region , UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, the Office of the Regional Commissioner Mwanza, and St. Augustine University of Tanzania, officially launched the Safer Campuses Campaign to call for an end to all forms of gender-based violence within campuses, universities, and higher and tertiary education institutions in Tanzania.
UNESCO hopes for a Tanzania where learning environment plays a facilitative role that ensures that young people realize their educational and health potential
As part of the event, UNESCO also introduced an Impact Guide for Young Peer Educators, Influencers, and Parliamentarians. This Impact guide is designed to equip young leaders with the tools to promote Media and Information Literacy, fostering online safety and resilience within their communities.
I urge everyone to come together to prevent acts of gender-based violence in our communities. Let us speak out against GBV and stand united against it. To students, I encourage you to focus on your studies and not let GBV hinder your path to achieving your educational goals
The ceremony came alive with a dynamic lineup of captivating and inspiring events. Passionate marches by over 400 students and teachers carried powerful messages denouncing gender-based violence and championing safer learning environments. The program featured captivating student performances that underscored the urgent need for secure university spaces, while traditional dances energized the audience and raised awareness about the fight against gender-based violence.
I鈥檓 thrilled about the launch of this campaign. I鈥檓 confident it will create a safe learning environment and empower us to achieve our full potential
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a comprehensive research report addressing online gender-based violence faced by students, complemented by inspiring speeches from key leaders who urged collective action and change.
This campaign encourages us to break the silence, and we are ready to take action. We will spread the message to our peers, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against GBV. Let鈥檚 make full use of our campus gender desk to report and address GBV issues effectively
UNESCO O3PLUS Project is currently being actively implemented across 26 campuses in Tanzania mainland and the Zanzibar archipelago reaching over 100,000 learners. This initiative primarily focuses on significantly improving the health and well-being of young people by effectively addressing critical issues such as reducing new HIV infections, preventing early pregnancies, and combating gender-based violence.
A study highlights that students in higher education often face online gender-based violence, including psychological harm, emotional abuse, and sexual harassment. Together, let鈥檚 strive to foster a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students
