Co-creating evidence with young people through a participatory diary study in Tanzania’s 2024 local elections

During Tanzania's 2024 local government elections, BBC Media Action worked with 35 young people and journalists as co-researchers to understand how women and youth take part in elections and how social and gender norms are affecting their participation. Most research often treats communities as people to study, not people to learn from. This study sought to change that by taking a more inclusive approach.

Instead of conducting long surveys or formal interviews participants shared their daily experiences of campaigns and voting through WhatsApp messages, short voice notes, and photos over eight days. They shared what motivated them to participate, the barriers they faced, and how family or community expectations shaped their choices. The diaries showed that many still see leadership as a man's role, and that women and youth face social and economic barriers to fully engaging in politics. But in places where they stood as candidates, more people, especially other youth, got involved in campaigns and voted.

Using young people and journalists as diarists studying their own communities provided richer, deeper insights than traditional surveys or focus groups. Their familiarity with local culture, language, and daily realities revealed details outsiders might miss, capturing not just events but emotions and perspectives. The process also highlighted ethical considerations, as some participants deleted shared content, reminding us of the importance of privacy and trust. This experience changed how we think about evidence, proving that when communities collaborate with researchers to collect and interpret data, research becomes more real, more inclusive, and more meaningful.