By Cherie Oyier
As we observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are confronted with the alarming rise of technology facilitated-gender-based violence (TFGBV).
TFGBV, which disproportionately impacts women, girls and other gender minorities, presents itself as cyberbullying, trolling, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and gendered misinformation among other forms, and has the potential of escalating from online to offline spaces.
TFGBV causes emotional and psychological harm at an individual level, which could escalate to physical harm.
From a societal perspective, TFGBV negatively impacts democracies, economies and governance due to the silencing of a significant percentage of the population.
At KICTANet, we continue to work towards creating safe and enabling online environments for women, girls, and gender minorities through research, policy advocacy, capacity building and multi-stakeholder engagements that focus on ending TFGBV.
As we observe 16 days of activism and beyond, we urge you to join us in our mission. Together, we can shape a future where technology empowers rather than endangers women, girls and gender minorities.
Cherie Oyier, Programs Officer-Women’s Digital Rights, KICTANet
