Dr. Eva Solomon champions global collaboration in media and communication
By Zamda George, CMU
As we approach the International Women's Day 2025 whose theme is ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’, we celebrate Dr. Eva Solomon who exemplify this ethos at the University of Dar es Salaam
A distinguished academic at the University of Dar es Salaam School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC), Dr. Solomon stands out for her relentless pursuit of excellence in media and communication and a beacon of forging global collaborations in the field.
Her efforts have not only elevated the standards of media education in Tanzania but have also fostered international collaborations that benefit students, faculty, and industry professionals alike.
At the forefront of Dr. Solomon's initiatives is her pivotal role in the “Expanding Horizons in Journalism and Media Studies” project, under the Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation (NORPART).
Serving as the Principal Investigator and Coordinator for Tanzania, she has been instrumental in creating opportunities for academic exchange and collaboration between the SJMC and Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) in Norway.
Leading a project spanning six continents
“The six-year project spans six countries across three continents - Europe, Africa, and Latin America - including Norway, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Nicaragua, and Colombia”, says Dr. Solomon.
She adds that the ambitious initiative focuses on training, student and staff mobility, research and publishing in key media and journalism areas such as gender and media, investigative journalism, conflict reporting and climate change journalism.
“Through the project, eighteen master's students from SJMC have benefitted from academic exchanges at OsloMet, with three completing master's programmes and fifteen participating as exchange students”, she points out.
Dr. Solomon further elaborates that each year, five master's students from SJMC are selected for this transformative opportunity, equipping them with advanced skills and global perspectives.
“The first phase of the project concludes in 2026, with preparations already underway for the second phase (2027–2032)”, explains Dr. Solomon joyfully.
Dr. Solomon and a fellow SJMC colleague have also participated in lecture visits and academic paper presentations at OsloMet, strengthening the collaboration between the institutions.
A key upcoming milestone in the NORPART project is an academic conference scheduled for March 2025 in Dar es Salaam, where students and academic staff involved in the project will present their research findings and publications.
“This event will further cement the project's impact, providing a platform for scholarly discussions and fostering international academic linkages”, stresses Dr. Solomon.
A prolific scholar, lecturer and mentor
Dr. Solomon's academic journey is marked by a commitment to research and mentorship. Her scholarly interests encompass gender and media, media development, social media, and intercultural communication.
With a vast experience in communication, Dr. Solomon has a rich academic background, which includes a PhD in Media Studies from Free University Berlin, Germany; a Master of Social Sciences in Journalism and Mass Communicationfrom Tampere University, Finland; and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Makerere University, Uganda.
She has collaborated with colleagues from Makerere University and OsloMet to produce a research manuscript on gender and media, currently under peer review, while also working on a review of gender movements in Tanzania, which is expected to be published in a journal next year.
Beyond her research, Dr. Solomon is celebrated for her approachable demeanor and dedication to student success. Her open-door policy fosters a nurturing environment where students feel encouraged to seek guidance and engage in meaningful academic pursuits.
Dr. Solomon's passion for media and communication is deeply rooted in her family background, which emphasizes the importance of storytelling and open dialogue. “These early influences have shaped my understanding of media as a powerful tool for societal impact”.
She admits that her family's support has been a cornerstone of her resilience and determination, enabling her to navigate and excel in a dynamic academic landscape.
Strengthening SJMC and paving the way for future collaborations
Dr. Mona Mwakalinga, the SJMC Dean explains that Dr. Solomon's unwavering commitment to enhancing media education through international partnerships has positioned SJMC as a hub for academic excellence and innovation.
“Her efforts have not only expanded the horizons of her students but have also laid the groundwork for future collaborations that promise to elevate the standard of media and communication studies in Tanzania and beyond”, says Dr. Mwakalinga.
As we honour the contributions of women in academia on this International Women’s Day, Dr. Solomon’s story serves as a testament to the profound impact of dedication, collaboration, and an inclusive approach to education.