equality in the media. However, they may also encounter difficult situations where they must balance these principles against State demands, sometimes enforced through legislation to disclose private user data, potentially enabling governmental overreach. The Tanzania Women Journalists Association (TAMWA) reported that 77 percent of women journalists had encountered various forms of violence. During the association’s 36th anniversary, TAMWA’s executive director, Rose Reuben, disclosed findings from a study involving 22 media outlets and 137 women journalists, revealing ongoing risks of sexual abuse within newsrooms. Within the media industry, proactive measures such as cyber education, safety protocols, and mutual support are crucial for protecting digital security. Additionally, sharing experiences within the industry can enhance collective resilience. Lastly, researchers and civil society organisations play a vital role in collaboratively uncovering trends, identifying risks, and exploring potential solutions to address digital security challenges faced by journalists and publishers in Tanzania. Shockingly, 27 percent of the reported abuse came from news sources, while 59 percent of sexual harassment and bribery incidents occurred within newsroom environments. Reuben underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges, stating, “With these statistics, we still have a long way to go to ensure that acts of violence are stopped and that there is gender equality in order to have a friendly work environment for all groups.” By working together, these stakeholders can contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment for all involved in the dissemination of information. Data from the World Bank highlighted the prevalence of violence against women in Tanzania, with 40 percent of women aged 15 to 49 experiencing physical violence and 17 percent facing sexual violence. Gender and the media, sexual harassment of female journalists Notably, spousal violence rates were highest in rural areas, averaging 52 percent, compared to 45 percent in urban areas. In 2023, amidst global efforts to combat violence against women and girls, journalists in Tanzania emphasised the importance of gender Despite the fact that gender violence and 83 STATE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 2023