MISA Regional Annual Report 2023 Community-based organisations (CBOs) participated in the meetings and were informed about access to information laws and other laws that affect freedom of expression, such as the Cyber and Data Protection Act. The meetings also allowed journalists to engage the police and politicians on journalists’ safety and security before the 2023 elections. In Masvingo, CBOs and citizens were urged to exercise the right to freedom of expression through the media to fight gender-based violence and drug abuse. Traditional leaders also attended the meeting. Participants pause for a photograph in Mutare The meetings also discussed the high data costs, which now compromise freedom of expression and access to information, especially during elections. In rural Masvingo, citizens urged the government to put more boosters (transmitters) in the area to improve access to the internet. 50 www.misa.org