The Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) has called on female journalists to embrace professionalism and adapt to the increasingly competitive and digitalized media landscape, urging them to seize opportunities presented by advancements in communication technology.
Speaking during the official opening of a four-day training workshop on digital safety and combating online gender-based violence, UTPC Executive Director Mr. Kenneth Simbaya emphasized that women journalists must equip themselves with digital skills and operate at par with their male counterparts in order to stay relevant in today’s media industry.
“Technology has changed how journalism is practiced. Today, a journalist can gather, produce, and disseminate news content from anywhere thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence and online platforms,” Mr. Simbaya said.
He noted that the media landscape has evolved significantly over the past two decades, with online platforms becoming the primary sources of information.
“The communication sector has grown tremendously. Unlike 20 years ago when people relied mainly on newspapers, today information is accessed instantly online,” he added.
Mr. Simbaya challenged media stakeholders not to resist this transition, stating that the digital shift is inevitable and that UTPC has a responsibility to ensure its members are not left behind.
“Initially, some viewed the internet with skepticism. But today, it has become an enabler across all sectors, especially in simplifying access to information and financial services. The same applies to the media digital tools must be embraced to enhance reporting and content delivery,” he stressed.
The workshop, held in Morogoro, brought together female journalists from 25 regions of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
It is designed to enhance their knowledge of digital safety, self-protection strategies, and online resilience particularly in the face of increasing threats of gender-based violence in digital spaces.
UTPC board member and chairperson of its Finance Committee, Ms. Lilian Lucas, said the initiative aims to empower women journalists to report freely and confidently, especially in politically sensitive or high-risk environments.
“Online gender-based violence is a growing threat to press freedom and women’s participation in democratic processes. It undermines the dignity of women and girls and restricts their voices in public spaces,” Ms. Lucas noted.
She added: “Digital security knowledge is no longer optional; it is essential. These trainings aim to spark real change not just in how we protect ourselves, but in how we report, how we influence policy, and how we reshape public discourse.”
Victor Maleko, UTPC’s Programme and Publications Officer, said the training also serves as preparation for journalists covering the upcoming 2025 general elections.
He emphasized that journalists need practical safety strategies, including how to dress neutrally, identify safer zones during events, and exit dangerous situations quickly.
“The first step in ensuring safety is self-awareness. Journalists especially women must adopt protective measures when covering protests, political rallies, or election campaigns,” said Mr. Maleko.
He further called on security agencies and political parties to prioritize the safety of journalists, noting that in 2024 alone, UTPC recorded 20 incidents involving 28 journalists subjected to various forms of abuse. In 2023, 18 incidents were recorded, showing a slight decline attributed to ongoing capacity-building efforts.
TAMWA (Tanzania Media Women’s Association) also reported that in 2023, 77 percent of abuse cases involved female journalists highlighting the urgent need for continued institutional support.
The training was organized by UTPC in collaboration with International Media Support (IMS), Nukta Africa, Jamii Forums, and TAMWA.
It is part of a broader national effort to strengthen journalists’ resilience in the digital era while fostering a safe environment for women in the media.
As Tanzania heads into an election year, the initiative reflects a growing recognition that media safety and digital empowerment are critical to protecting press freedom and ensuring inclusive democratic participation.