JOURNALISTS have been urged to step up their reporting on gender-based violence and reproductive health in order to help build a safer and more informed society.

The call was made yesterday in Dar es Salaam by Suzan Cleophos, Project Officer at the Flaviana Matata Foundation (FMF), during a workshop designed to strengthen journalists’ capacity to cover gender-related issues and educate young people on reproductive health.

“There remains a significant need for education to tackle gender-based violence,” Cleophos said. “Despite efforts by the government, FMF, and other stakeholders, these incidents still occur in some regions. We must unite in raising awareness to reduce and ultimately eliminate these acts from our communities.”

She emphasised that gender-based violence continues to affect both children and adults, and that education remains a key tool in tackling the issue. The Foundation, she added, is actively conducting outreach in various communities in collaboration with partners to spread awareness and information.

 “Our work isn’t limited to gender-based violence. Educating young people on reproductive health is just as vital in preventing teenage pregnancies and combating the spread of HIV,” she added.

The initiative is supported by the Women Fund Tanzania Trust (WFT), which has been instrumental in funding educational efforts. Rehema Longo, a facilitator from the Tanzania Institute of Education, echoed the importance of such initiatives, particularly for empowering vulnerable groups such as girls.

“Young people, especially girls, face significant risks. Reaching them with this kind of education gives them the knowledge and confidence to resist abuse and make informed decisions about their health,” Longo said.

She commended FMF for taking the lead in addressing gender-based violence through public education. “Workshops like these, which target stakeholders who can relay these messages to the wider public, are crucial in building a more aware and resilient society.”