Breaking the Silence: How Young People in Tanzania Are Challenging Harmful Norms and Reclaiming Their Rights

For Hassan, 18, growing up meant learning which conversations were off-limits—especially for boys. Sexual and reproductive health, Mensuration, HIV, and gender-based violence (GBV) were rarely discussed seriously. When they were, it was through rumours, jokes, or misinformation shared among peers whilst some parents reluctantly shared limited information .

“No one talked to us honestly,” Hassan recalls. “We were expected to figure things out on our own.”

That silence is exactly what the 2gether 4 SRHR programme, supported by the Government of Sweden, is working to break in Tanzania.

Through a joint UN programme implemented by UNFPA, UNICEF, UNAIDS, and WHO, adolescents like Hassan are gaining access to accurate, evidence-based information—and the confidence to question harmful gender norms that limit choices, fuel inequality, and put young people at risk of sexual transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies and gender based violence.

The programme recognises a critical truth: access to services alone is not enough. Deeply rooted social and gender norms—around masculinity, consent, power, and sexuality—shape behaviours and influence whether adolescents and young people seek care, protect themselves from STIs including HIV, or respect the rights of others.

With Sweden’s support, 2gether 4 SRHR delivers peer education, and community dialogues that create safe spaces for honest conversations. Trained facilitators and peer educators lead discussions on gender equality, healthy relationships, HIV prevention, and GBV prevention and response—while parents, religious leaders, and community elders are engaged to ensure dialogue extends beyond the classroom.

The UNFPA peer led approach aims to equip adolescents and young people with  SRHR, HIV, GBV and Menstrual health knowledge through peer to peer conversations.

“Addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights means addressing the social norms that limit choices and sustain inequality,” says Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Representative in the United Republic of Tanzania. “We cannot achieve SRHR for all without transforming attitudes—especially among boys and men.”

Today, Hassan is no longer silent. He volunteers as a peer educator, encouraging other boys to speak openly, seek information, and take responsibility for their actions.

“Being strong doesn’t mean staying quiet,” he says. “It means respecting others and standing up against violence.”

UNICEF’s adolescent-centred approach ensures that young people are not just beneficiaries, but leaders of change.

“When adolescents lead conversations, the impact is deeper and more sustainable,” explains Elke Wisch, Representative, UNICEF Tanzania “With support from Sweden, this programme empowers young people to shape healthier, more equitable communities.”

Harmful gender norms are closely linked to increased vulnerability to HIV and gender-based violence. Through 2gether 4 SRHR, UNAIDS supports interventions that tackle stigma, promote safer behaviours, and connect adolescents to youth-friendly HIV care and treatment services.

“Silence and stigma continue to drive HIV risk among adolescents,” says Jacqueline Makokha UNAIDS Country Director,. “By challenging harmful norms and opening dialogue, we are enabling young people to protect themselves and others.”

WHO strengthens these efforts by grounding interventions in global evidence on adolescent health and behaviour change.

“Transforming harmful norms is a public health priority,” notes Dr Alex Gasasira, WHO representative. “Evidence shows that when adolescents are informed, supported, and engaged, they make healthier choices that last a lifetime.”

Hassan’s voice is part of a growing movement of young Tanzanians reclaiming their right to information, services, and dignity. With Sweden’s support and strong UN collaboration, communities are learning that open conversations can prevent violence, reduce HIV risk, and save lives.

“I want younger boys to grow up knowing the truth,” Hassan says. “So they don’t repeat the same mistakes.”

By addressing both access to integrated services and the social norms that shape behaviour, 2gether 4 SRHR programme is helping build a future where adolescents and young people can thrive—healthy, informed, and empowered.

Hassan’s story reflects a broader transformation underway across Tanzania: young people are challenging harmful norms, reclaiming their rights, and demonstrating what is possible when UN agencies work together with the government and communities—supported by the Government of Sweden—to leave no adolescent behind. 

This collective effort also reinforces the leadership and coordination role of the UN Youth Sub-Group Tanzania, which brings UN agencies together to advance a unified, youth-led agenda and ensure that the voices of adolescents and young people shape national development priorities.