MISA Regional Annual Report 2023 Finland Embassy in Tanzania Building Bridges With the support of the Finnish Embassy in Tanzania, MISA Tanzania and Protection Africa International collaborated in implementing a project to promote human rights through media freedom and legal reforms in Tanzania. The project focuses on influencing changes in laws that impact the work of human rights defenders, including journalists, to create an enabling environment for promoting and protecting human rights. MISA Tanzania started implementing the project in August 2023. In collaboration with VIKES, MISA Tanzania organized a one-day event titled Building Bridges: A Confluence for Gender Equality and Press Freedom on November 25, 2023, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The event brought together key stakeholders, including state actors, media professionals, and representatives from civil society, to facilitate collaboration, share insights, and develop strategies promoting gender equality and freedom of the press. Activities Freedom of Expression Reflection Forum MISA Tanzania organised the Freedom of Expression Reflection Forum (FEARF) as part of commemorations to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The Forum took place in Dodoma and was attended by key stakeholders such as civil society, international NGOs, the government, and political parties. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), Internews, Tanzania Regulatory Authority (TRA), and the MISA Regional Office supported the forum. Tabani Moyo, the MISA Regional Director, and guest of honour, Gerson Msigwa, the government chief spokesperson, graced the event. Internet for Trust MISA Tanzania worked with UNESCO to develop guidelines focusing on the structures and processes needed to ensure users have a safer and more critical interaction with online content and to simultaneously support freedom of expression and the availability of accurate and reliable information in the public sphere. Country Reports Snapshots International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) is significant as it emphasises the fundamental right and essential tool of access to information. The primary objective of these commemorations is to enhance global awareness of the importance of access to information as a fundamental right and a tool for transparency and accountability. The commemorations in Tanzania presented a unique opportunity to reinforce the principles of the Access to Information Act of 2016 and to promote a culture of open governance and information sharing. Challenges Advocacy for freedom of expression and access to information has remained a preserve of the few, raising the need for continuous capacity building. However, there is limited funding for such activities. On the other hand, success stories in sensitising citizens on their rights, need to be more effectively communicated. This raises the need for effective collaboration among MISA chapters to 35