Call: Act on online abuse of women

Dar es Salaam. The Social Media Journalists Association of Tanzania (Jumikita) has called for joint efforts to combat the surge of online abuse of women.

Addressing journalists yesterday at the organisation’s headquarters at Sinza Makaburini, Jumikita chairman Shabani Matwebe shed light on the concerning prevalence of insults and the humiliation of women across social media platforms.

“As an institution, we have a responsibility to voice our thoughts on what lies ahead. Remaining silent only allows the situation to escalate without a specific foundation,” said Mr Matwebe.

On the same line, he underscored the urgent global need to protect women and their privacy in the face of increasing online degradation.

“When women’s dignity is demeaned and they are humiliated on social media, disregarding their humanity, respect, and dignity, it contradicts the global battle to empower and respect women. If we let such matters go unaddressed, we are heading down a dangerous path,” he said. He stressed the imperative for collaboration between women’s organisations and the association to condemn and tackle the troubling behaviour.

“As an institution, we would now like to suggest and advise that all organisations directly involved with women come together and agree to have a unified stance against insults,” he said.

Mr Matwebe further highlighted the potential consequences of allowing such behaviour to persist, especially in the context of upcoming elections where female candidates may hesitate to participate due to fear of being disparaged.

“The government is now entering into elections. There will be parliamentary candidates and candidates for local government governments. If a woman is being demeaned today, who will encourage a young girl to go and pick up a form? How will she confidently stand on the podium and speak? Therefore, we must condemn this behaviour,” he said.

He further urged all relevant institutions to take a stand and speak out against online misogyny, emphasising the crucial role of journalists, particularly those in social media, in raising awareness and facilitating discussion on the issue.