By Daniel Dickinson BBC, Dar es Salaam

Women's groups in Tanzania have begun using one of the country's most popular art forms - cartoon strips - in an effort to raise awareness of women's rights.

Cartoonists break down barriers - but can be expensive

The cartoons are used because they have a huge appeal and great impact - even to people who can't read.

They highlight a wide range of issues, from sexual harassment to inheritance rights.

One cartoon, for example, shows a doctor telling a young female patient she will only be treated if she has sexual intercourse with him.

"What I was trying to show was how some doctors - or some other government officials - can use their position to fulfil their desires," the artist, Zaituna Saidia of the Tanzanian Daily News, told BBC World Service's Everywoman programme.

"This lady decides to meet councillors - at the end, it shows the doctor arrested by the anti-corruption bureau."

Getting the message

The history of cartooning in Tanzania dates back over 40 years - yet its popularity remains undiminished.

"They like humour, so that is the best way of conveying messages," James Gayo, one of Tanzania's most prominent cartoonists, told Everywoman.

"It takes somebody half an hour to read a full page of a story but with cartoons, at a glance you have everything."

Mr Gayo added that the lack of literacy in the country in fact contributes to the popularity of the cartoon strips.

"Even those who cannot follow a written story can get the message through cartoons," he said.

Breastfeeding is another issue the cartoons raise

This is an essential part of its success as a medium for getting across the message of women's rights, said Naomi Makota of Tanzania's Women Advancement Trust.

"Comics are very easy to use, because you can use it for people of different ages, different educations," she said.

"If you take a picture, and try to elaborate from it, it's easier for the participant to ask you questions about the pictures."

The cartoons can come at a high price though - top artists can charge up to US$100 per page, a huge amount of money for grass roots organisations.

"If we are going to only use professional cartoonists, we need to have money," Ms Makota said.

"It's better to spread the education to the people, so they can do it on their own."

As a result, more women are taking up cartooning themselves - ensuring that its popularity as a fun way to get across a serious message will continue to grow.