UNESCO’s O3Plus Project Mobilizes Higher Education Institutions to Tackle GBV

16 Days of Activism Campaign Empowers Institutions Against GBV in Tanzania

UNESCO has partnered with higher education institutions in Tanzania to combat gender-based violence (GBV) through the O3Plus project. During the 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign (25 November - 9 December 2025), UNESCO supported these institutions, emphasizing awareness and community action against GBV. The project aims to ensure that learners in higher and tertiary education institutions in Tanzania achieve positive health, education, and gender equality outcomes. The project focuses on reducing new HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence. O3Plus currently supports 26 institutions, benefiting over 150,000 learners.

The campaign, supported by UNESCO, aimed to empower 18 beneficiary institutions of the O3Plus Project. These institutions, including UDSM-Mlimani, MNMA, DUCE, KIUT, TIA DAR, ISWZU, IMS, MUCE, UoI, RUCU, UDOM, MRI, SJUT, IRDP, UDSM MCHAS, and TIA, conducted impactful sensitization sessions. These sessions reached key members of each institution, including students, staff, and external service providers, providing essential information and knowledge on GBV prevention, sexual harassment, and effective response strategies.

The campaign built confidence in reporting GBV incidents and broke the silence around such issues. In-depth discussions explored the roles and challenges of reporting mechanisms like gender desks and suggestion boxes, addressing misconceptions and encouraging proactive reporting for accountability and action. Ivo Augustino, President of St. John’s University Student Organization, urged young leaders to actively break the silence on gender-based violence and promote the use of gender desks for reporting incidents. Michael Semindu, Iringa's District Administrative Secretary, emphasized universities' roles as centres of thought and new beginnings, encouraging educational efforts to tackle GBV within the community.

Engaging activities such as solidarity walks, dialogues, media tours, outreach programs, sports events, and online campaigns were organized to combat gender-based violence. The dialogue empowered young people to discuss their roles in addressing and preventing GBV and sexual harassment. Peaceful marches raised awareness and encouraged community involvement in violence prevention. Online campaigns boosted youth participation by encouraging the creation and sharing of messages on digital platforms, emphasizing the need to break the silence on all forms of violence.

Benjamin Kusaga, the Regional Police Commissioner for Mbeya, urged the police gender desk to establish closer communication with gender desks at higher and tertiary institutions, seeking to find the best ways to collaborate and provide support in case of any GBV incidents within these institutions. The campaign effectively empowered institutions to address gender-based violence through sensitization sessions, active reporting mechanisms, and community engagement. By fostering dialogue and raising awareness through various activities, the initiative strengthened the resolve of students, staff, and local authorities to combat GBV and create a safer, more supportive environment.

Editor's Note:

The UNESCO O3Plus project in Tanzania signifies a transformative approach to tackling gender-based violence (GBV) within higher education institutions. By integrating sensitization sessions, active reporting mechanisms, and community-driven activities, the campaign raises awareness and fosters a culture of accountability and proactive intervention. This comprehensive strategy empowers students, staff, and local authorities to collaboratively address GBV, potentially leading to significant reductions in violence and harassment on campuses.

Skoobuzz applauds the initiative for its focus on education and community engagement, which aims to foster safer, more supportive environments and establish a global benchmark for similar programs.