ZANZIBAR: WHEN Omulkhair Ibrahim speaks to fellow young people about violence against women and girls, she is not simply sharing information—she is challenging beliefs that have existed for generations.
As a student at the State University of Zanzibar and an Environmental Health Officer with the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Omulkhair has seen how limited knowledge of women’s rights leaves many women vulnerable to abuse, often without even realising their rights have been violated.
“In Zanzibar, many believe that in a marriage women should always defer to men,” she says.
“Many women do not know or fully understand their rights within marriage, so their rights are violated without them even knowing.” It is this reality that inspired the young leader to become actively involved in raising awareness about gender-based violence among her peers.
Her opportunity came through a youth outreach initiative organised by UN Women Tanzania and the European Union in partnership with the internationally renowned Sauti za Busara music festival. What began as participation in one awareness session soon became something much bigger.
After attending a UN Womensupported outreach activity earlier this year, Omulkhair approached the organisers with an idea. She wanted members of her university’s Environmental Health Science Club to play a bigger role in future activities.
Her enthusiasm earned her a place on a 25-member youth planning committee, where she also participated as a panellist, helping deliver messages about preventing violence against women and girls.
Using music, theatre, traditional dance and youth performances, the initiative created a space where difficult conversations became easier to have. Instead of lectures and formal presentations, young people discussed gender equality, harmful social norms and available support services through creative performances that reflected their everyday lives. For Omulkhair, the experience changed the way many young people viewed gender-based violence.
“Most young people do not know where to go or who to speak to when violence happens,” she says. “We were provided with critical information on the people, organisations and services available to help.” She believes the programme encouraged participants to see violence against women as a community issue rather than a private family matter that should remain hidden.
The need for such conversations remains urgent. According to the Zanzibar Office of the Chief Government Statistician, reported cases of gender-based violence increased by 14.1 per cent in January this year. While higher reporting may indicate greater awareness and confidence among survivors, studies also show that harmful social norms continue to fuel violence.
The 2022 UN Women and OECD Social Institutions and Gender Index Report found that some beliefs still justify husbands physically disciplining their wives under certain circumstances, while many survivors never seek formal assistance.
Recognising the importance of changing these attitudes early, organisers have increasingly placed young people at the centre of awareness campaigns.
Since 2025, UN Women, the Zanzibar Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, the European Union Delegation in Tanzania and Sauti za Busara have organised seven community outreach initiatives across Unguja, reaching more than 6,000 people.
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The wider programme has also strengthened Zanzibar’s response through support for the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children (2025–2030), improved police gender desks, training for police officers, legal aid providers and paralegals, and stronger referral systems to ensure survivors receive timely support.
According to UN Women Tanzania Programme Specialist on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, Ms Lucy Tesha, lasting change begins with open conversations. “Our aim is to provide platforms for communities to have these open discussions, question harmful norms and beliefs, and take a more active role in prevention,” she says.
For fellow youth advocate Abubudhafa Issa Mohd, the campaign reinforced another important message—that ending violence against women is not solely a women’s responsibility. During the outreach activities, Mohd used a nasheed—a traditional form of vocal music—to encourage communities to reject violence against women and girls. He believes men and boys have a critical role to play.
“Men need to be on the frontlines of ending violence against women and girls,” he says.
“If we take responsibility, we can be part of the solution.” The campaign’s impact extended well beyond the festival grounds.
Omulkhair says one of the most encouraging moments came after the event when young participants began sharing the messages on social media, extending discussions into schools, homes and communities.
“It showed that the discussions had an impact beyond the day itself,” she says. “Violence against women is still being justified by some, and this needs to change. We need more education, reflection and discussion to make a lasting difference.” For Omulkhair and Mohd, the music may have ended, but their mission continues.
Through their voices, leadership and determination, they are inspiring other young people to recognise violence, speak out against harmful attitudes and support survivors.
Their message is simple but powerful: ending violence against women and girls is not the responsibility of one organisation or one gender—it is a shared responsibility that begins with awareness, courage and the willingness to challenge harmful beliefs.