JamiiForums is a Social Enterprise based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania that advocates and promotes Civil and Digital Rights, Social Justice, Accountability, Democracy and Good Governance.
Operates JamiiForums.com, Tanzania’s famous digital content platform, well known for Stories-of-Change with a proven track record over 20yrs in citizen participation around critical social issues.
Mission and Vision
Vision
JamiiForums' Vision is to have "Netizens making Informed Decisions"
Mission
Building an inclusive Digital Community while empowering Netizens and extending access to Quality and Credible Information.
Governance Structure
The top organ in decision making for JamiiForums is the Board of Directors while the operations are led by the Executive Director with five departments-Programs, Finance, Human Resources, Research & Development and Legal department
History
JamiiForums is a Tanzania-based social networking website in East Africa was founded in 2006. The online network is notable as the most popular social media website in Tanzania, according to AllAfrica. The website emphasizes its use of user-generated content to avoid penalties faced by traditional media for reporting issues in Tanzania. According to Washington Post, recent Tanzanian bills have caused significant worry over potential media crackdown in Tanzania, though its founders faced several law charges over the years.
JamiiForums was officially launched in March 2006 with the name JamboForums, and comprised several online subforums. In May 2008 they changed their name to JamiiForums due to copyright issues. In March 2016, Jamii Media filed a lawsuit against the federal Tanzanian police force, alleging that the police force's power to demand personal information of individuals suspected of crimes was unconstitutional. The case will be processed through the High Court of Tanzania.
Programs
JamiiForums has eight programs which are all linked
Citizen Participation
In promotion of Freedom of Expression and Access to the Right Information, JamiiForums operates JamiiForums.com platform through Content Curation and Value. This empowers Tanzanians online to exercise their constitutional rights guaranteed by article 18.
Citizen Voices Amplification
Another Project that JamiiForums runs in promotion of Freedom of Expression, through Strategic Public Engagement (including Voice Engagements) across major Social Media platforms and specifically Stories-of-Change program that empowers citizens journalists to go beyond reporting and suggest changes they want in their community.
Most stories that are published by citizen journalists through the Stories-of-Change platform have been taken by authorities in Tanzania to bring about change in several areas. Example TANESCO(Country energy supplier) changed their energy meters to smart ones
Information Fact-Checking
In its efforts to fight mis- and disinformation in Tanzania, JamiiForums empowers citizens who are part of the information fact-checking process via JamiiCheck platform. The platform was launched in November 2022 and has gained popularity amongst Tanzanians online who use it to cross-verify information they receive.
JamiiForums Fact-Checking platform play a crucial role in verifying and providing accurate information about claims, statements, and news stories. JamiiForums investigate various claims, check their accuracy, and publish their findings to help the public make informed decisions.
Accountability
JamiiForums being known as ‘The Home of Whistleblowers” came up with a project that engages multiple stakeholders, including the government and created a tool that empowers whistleblowers called "Fichua Uovu" which allows anonymous submissions on corruption-related case in Tanzania.
Youth Engagements
In order to influence future leaders in Tanzania, JamiiForums runs a number of engagements with youth in Universities and Political parties on issues that raise their critical thinking around Governance, Democracy and Social Justice.
Data Protection/Privacy
JamiiForums managed to push for enactment of Tanzania’s Data Protection Act with its Regulations. JamiiForums started a Data Protection Academy, aiming at empowering Citizens other Stakeholders with knowledge on issues around right to privacy.