ZANZIBAR: OVER 200 university and vocational students from across Zanzibar took part in an awareness-raising event aimed at ending gender-based violence (GBV).
Organised by Sauti za Busara in partnership with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children and supported by the European Union (EU) Delegation to Tanzania and UN Women, the event provided a platform for young people to discuss harmful social norms, gender inequality and their role in preventing GBV.
The gathering, held last Wednesday as part of this year’s Sauti za Busara Festival, one of Africa’s top international music festivals, used music, storytelling and interactive dialogue to engage participants.
“We came together to organise community mobilisation events targeting youth, highlighting their essential role in ending gender-based violence,” said Lucy Tesha, UN Women Programme Specialist on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
Chiara Guidetti from the EU Delegation to Tanzania noted that the partnership is part of the EU’s broader Gender Transformative Action: Breaking the Glass Ceiling programme, which aims to advance women’s rights and challenge root causes of inequality. Since 2025, five such community events have reached thousands of Zanzibar residents.
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“These events also connect women and children experiencing violence with critical services, including police, legal aid, social services, one-stop centres and NGOs,” Ms Guidetti added.
The event featured panel discussions and musical performances, including a session on the role of men and boys and another with women artists sharing challenges in the entertainment industry.
“We face harassment even when we’re just looking for jobs. People often ask for something extra in return for opportunities,” said singer-songwriter Alamoka, highlighting the need for visibility, support and equal opportunities for women in creative industries.
Building on this momentum, the partners plan a youth-centred concert on 28 March 2026 for Women’s Month celebrations.
Expected to attract over 1,000 young people, the event aims to deepen youth engagement on equality, non-discrimination and the elimination of GBV through arts and creative expression.