Economic Growth Tanzania, United Republic of Project #59435

Protecting Youth in Tanzania

by International Blue Cross

Project Report | Aug 7, 2026
Youth Speak Out Against Gender-Based Violence

By Jonas Graf | Communication Assistant

Gender-based violence continues to affect the safety, well-being, and opportunities of young people in Tanzania. Violence can take many forms, from abuse and discrimination in everyday life to harassment and intimidation online. Helping young people recognize violence, speak about it, and understand how to respond is an important part of building safer communities.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Blue Cross Society of Tanzania (BCST) engaged young people from Elimu Yetu Training Centre, Focus College, and Volcano College in Arusha. Through participatory sessions, the students explored the causes and consequences of gender-based violence and discussed practical ways in which young people and communities can help prevent it.

Rather than only listening, the participants were encouraged to express their ideas creatively. They developed poems, theatre performances, debates, and spoken-word presentations addressing different forms of violence and their impact. Their messages were clear: online violence can seriously affect mental health; remaining silent about abuse can allow violence to continue; there is no such thing as “small” or “big” violence; and anyone can become a perpetrator of violence.

The discussions also gave young people an opportunity to propose solutions. Participants emphasized that education on preventing gender-based violence should reach everyone, regardless of age or social background. They called for existing policies and laws to be actively implemented and stressed that action against violence should never depend on a person’s social status, financial situation, or position in society.

Special attention was given to online violence, which is becoming an increasing concern for young people. Participants received information materials explaining its causes, possible consequences, and steps young people can take when they experience or witness abuse online. By combining information with open discussion, BCST aims to strengthen young people’s confidence to recognize harmful behaviour, seek support, and stand up for themselves and others.

Preventing gender-based violence is a shared responsibility. By giving young people the knowledge and space to speak, participate, and develop their own solutions, BCST continues working toward communities where every young person can grow, learn, and participate free from violence and fear.

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Apr 9, 2026
Strengthening Protection for Children

By Jonas Graf | Communication Assistant

Gender-based violence continues to affect the safety, dignity, and future of many children and young people in Tanzania. In and around schools, children may experience abuse, intimidation, or exploitation without knowing where to turn for help. Safe, trusted, and confidential reporting channels are therefore essential to protecting children and responding to violence at an early stage.

The Blue Cross Society of Tanzania (BCST) works with schools, communities, and public institutions to strengthen child protection and promote safer learning environments. As part of this effort, BCST brought together eight child protection and safety desks to reflect on their experiences, identify challenges, and strengthen practical approaches for protecting children in and around schools.

A key focus of the exchange was the use of suggestion boxes in schools. These boxes can provide children with a confidential and safer way to report violence, abuse, or other concerns, especially when speaking openly feels difficult or risky. For many children, such a system can be an important first step toward being heard and supported.

The discussions showed that progress is being made, but important gaps remain. In many schools, suggestion boxes are still not used regularly, and procedures for follow-up are often unclear or inconsistent. As a result, children may remain silent, and cases of violence may go unnoticed or unaddressed.

BCST therefore continues to promote safer and more responsive school environments where children are heard, protected, and supported. This includes strengthening reporting pathways, encouraging preventive education, and fostering closer cooperation between schools, communities, and relevant authorities.

Protecting children from violence begins with creating spaces where they feel safe to speak and confident that their voices matter. With continued shared commitment, more children can grow, learn, and thrive in safety and dignity.

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Dec 9, 2025
16 Days to End Digital Violence Against Women

By Jonas Graf | Communication Assistant

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, undermining equality and development worldwide. In Tanzania, about one in three women and girls experiences physical, sexual, or other forms of abuse. Harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage still persist, and even with legal frameworks in place, discriminatory norms and social barriers continue to limit women’s rights and safety.

Against this backdrop, the Blue Cross Society of Tanzania (BCST) implemented the 16 Days of Activism 2025 campaign under the theme “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls.” The campaign emphasized that digital violence is not separate from “real life” abuse - it is a powerful extension of long-standing gender-based violence, amplified by technology, anonymity, and weak regulation.

BCST carried out awareness activities in key youth spaces and online communities, including Volcano College, Focus Academy, Elimu Yetu Development, the BCST social media family, and the Institute of Accountancy in Arusha. Through interactive sessions, young people learned how digital violence happens - cyberbullying, sextortion, harassment, non-consensual image sharing - and how to stay safe online, respect consent, and use reporting and support systems confidently. Mental health impacts such as anxiety, social withdrawal, and reduced self-esteem were also openly discussed.

Debates, songs, spoken-word performances, and drama helped participants connect the issue to everyday life. Personal testimonies revealed how girls in particular face intense online harassment and how many cases go unreported, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protection in schools and communities. BCST reinforced these messages through social media posts, infographics, videos, and campaign hashtags.

The key takeaway is clear: ending digital violence requires collective action - education for all genders, stronger laws and accountability, gender-sensitive platform design, supportive learning environments, and empowered girls and women who can use digital spaces without fear. BCST remains committed to advancing this work so that every woman and girl can live, learn, and lead safely - online and offline.

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