Zanzibar Struggles with Media Law Reforms

 

By Najjat Omar, Zanzibar

The Tanzania Women’s Media Association (TAMWA-ZNZ) recently held a significant meeting with journalists, lawyers, and media stakeholders to review feedback from a year-long project focused on media law reforms. This two-year project, supported by the Commonwealth Foundation in the United States, aims to address the challenges and progress in implementing media laws in Zanzibar.

The meeting was opened by TAMWA-Z Board Member Hawra Shamte, who emphasized the need for journalists to continue writing about the delays in media law reforms. "Journalists should keep highlighting the delays and push for timely reforms," she said. She also encouraged journalists to be patient and persistent in seeking responses.

Senior journalist and mentor Salim Said offered a positive perspective on the role of local community radios. "Local community radios are doing a remarkable job in promoting awareness about media laws, ensuring that even the most remote communities are informed and engaged," he noted.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. Huwaida Nassor, a journalist from Asalam FM, shared her experiences over the past year. "Writing about media laws has been difficult because some senior officials have an authoritative stance. They don't always respond to our questions or provide the information we need. It's often the same answer from these authoritative sources: the reforms are in process," she explained.

Despite these obstacles, the project has achieved significant success. Over the year, 25 journalists received comprehensive training—15 in Unguja and 10 in Pemba. This training empowered journalists to produce 161 radio articles and social media pieces, greatly enhancing the discussion on media laws in the region.

Project Coordinator Zaina Abdalla Mzee elaborated on the engagement and collaboration fostered throughout the year. "Journalists and stakeholders have been actively involved. We held five meetings with the Zanzibar Media Committee (ZAMECO), which were crucial in supporting journalists to produce well-informed articles," she said.

From the Ministry of Information, Senior Journalist Rajab Mkasaba reiterated the government's commitment to working with the private sector to drive media law reforms. "We continue to collaborate with private entities to ensure the necessary changes in media laws are implemented," he assured.

Presenting the feedback from the one-year project, TAMWA's Communication Officer, Khairat Haji, provided insights from the feedback report. "The report shows a significant production of social media articles and radio programs, but there is a noticeable lack of TV programs," she pointed out, suggesting an area for future improvement.

Dr. Mzuri Issa, Executive Director of TAMWA-ZNZ, concluded the meeting with a call to action. "We have been advocating for media laws and press freedom for a long time. It's time for tangible changes to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists," she asserted, highlighting the organization's unwavering commitment to this cause.

As TAMWA Zanzibar continues this two-year project, the focus remains on driving impactful changes in media laws, ensuring press freedom, and promoting a safe environment for journalists. The collaborative efforts of journalists, media experts, lawyers, and stakeholders over the past year have laid a strong foundation for ongoing advocacy and reform.