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Walking towards safety: UNESCO and Tanzania’s universities unite to prevent gender-based violence
This year's campaign was held from 25 November to 9 Dec 2025, where UNESCO supported the O3Plus project beneficiary institutions (UDSM-Mlimani, MNMA,DUCE, KIUT, TIA DAR, ISWZU, IMS, MUCE, UoI, RUCU, UDOM, MRI, SJUT, IRDP, UDSM MCHAS, TIA, and MCHAS) in undertaking impactful sensitization sessions through which key members of the respective institutions including students, staff, and external service providers were reached with the right information and knowledge on GBV and sexual harassment prevention and responses.
The campaign focused on empowering 18 O3Plus Project beneficiary institutions with the support of UNESCO. Through impactful sensitization sessions, key stakeholders—including students, staff, and external service providers were equipped with essential knowledge and tools to prevent and respond effectively to gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment.
The campaign sought to inspire confidence among members to report GBV incidents and break the silence surrounding them. As part of the event’s commemoration, in-depth discussions explored the roles, successes, and challenges of enhanced reporting mechanisms, including gender desks and suggestion boxes. These discussions aimed to address misconceptions and overcome the hesitation of individuals in reporting GBV cases, fostering a more supportive and proactive environment for accountability and action.
As young people, our actions should demonstrate our commitments to breaking the silence against all forms of GBV on campus. To demonstrate this, those of us entrusted with leadership responsibilities should be at the forefront in advocating for the utilization of gender desks in reporting GBV incidents
A variety of engaging activities were organized across the clusters, including solidarity walks, interactive dialogues, media tours and outreach programs, a sports bonanza, and an online campaign.
Universities are a place of thought, reflection, and new beginnings. Let us strive to help the community through the use of our education, especially in the issue of combating gender-based violence
The dialogue empowered young people to discuss their roles in addressing, reporting, and preventing GBV and sexual harassment. Peaceful marches raised awareness among students and communities, inspiring active involvement in violence prevention. Meanwhile, online campaigns amplified youth participation by encouraging them to create and share messages on digital platforms, promoting the importance of breaking the silence against all forms of violence.
I would ask the police gender desk to have close communication with the higher and tertiary institutions’ gender desks and find the best way of collaborating and support in case of any incidents GBV practices in the institutions’ setting
UNESCO O3Plus project aims to ensure that learners in Higher and Tertiary Education institutions in Tanzania realize positive health, education and gender equality outcomes through sustained reductions in new HIV infections, Unintended pregnancy, and Gender-based violence. O3Plus is currently benefiting 26 Institutions reaching over 150,000 learners.
