DODOMA District Commissioner Jabir Shekimweri has urged female politicians to use social media and the internet cautiously as the government has already established laws that require people to use the platforms responsibly.

Shekimweri made the remarks at the weekend during the opening of a one-day capacity-building workshop on Digital Security and Data Protection for 37 young politicians and women leaders from Tabora, Singida and Dodoma regions.

The workshop was organized by the Tanzania Media for Community Development (TAMCODE) in collaboration with Youth Environmental Justice and Gender Equality (YOGE) with Support from Paradigm Initiative (PIN).

He said the government has put in place guidelines on how to use social networks and the internet which include formation of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 as well as Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and other state-owned institutions. 

"It is important to use social media with an understanding that there are laws that require us to use the platforms responsibly. A large number of Tanzanians use social media including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Email, X (formerly Twitter), JamiiForums and blogs. I call upon you to adhere to the laws for personal data protection as users as well as protecting others," he said.

According to him, women and youth are a crucial group that if well-educated on proper use of the internet, it would greatly benefit society.

"I commend organizers for selecting this important group as they are the primary users of social media," he said.

He noted that the training came at a crucial time when the nation was heading towards political processes and elections—civic polls in November this year and the General Election in 2025 hence the need to empower youth and women on proper use of the internet and social media.

He said youth account for 26.1 percent of the country’s population according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census and they play a significant role in decision-making for the nation's prosperity.

“We all agree that the youth form a large group in our country. It is a group that is beginning to take part in the governance of our country; letting them understand proper use of the internet is crucial for their future and the society at large,” he said.

Earlier, YOGE Executive Director Philomena Mwalongo said they aimed to equip women leaders and young politicians with essential skills in data protection and digital security.

Mwalongo said as the digital landscape grows increasingly complex, the need for such skills become critical for those in leadership roles, especially in the political sphere.

She urged them to be cautious with individuals who seek to obtain their personal information.

“We expect you to use social media for campaigning, which will lead to more women winning leadership positions in the coming local government elections and the General Election next year," she said.

Mary Bisambi, Special Seats Councillor from Tabora Region said: “I have gained a lot of knowledge since there were a number of things that I was not aware of despite using a smartphone for years. I am grateful to the organizers as I know how to protect my important information.”

“We politicians are public figures; it is important for us to ensure that what we post on social media cannot be used against us in the future. I have also learned that protecting information is everyone's responsibility.”