To tackle this challenge, KICTANet has developed an OGBV map using the Ushahidi platform, a data-driven tool that tracks and visualizes incidents of OGBV across Africa. This tool aims to provide evidence-based insights that inform policy advocacy, awareness campaigns, and digital safety interventions.

At a recent workshop, KICTANet showcased the OGBV tracker, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss the prevalence and impact of OGBV, as well as strategies for mitigation. The session was moderated by Cherie Oyier, KICTANet’s Gender Programmes Officer, who emphasized the importance of data in shaping policies and interventions.

Understanding the OGBV Map

Mwendwa Kivuva, a Trustee at KICTANet, provided an in-depth overview of the OGBV map, explaining its significance in tracking and categorizing various forms of online violence. “We identified six major categories: online sexual exploitation, psychological harm and harassment, misinformation and defamation, economic abuse, censorship and silencing, and fake abuse such as the creation and dissemination of altered images of individuals,” he shared.

One of the key insights from the map is the identification of common platforms where OGBV occurs, including X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The tracker allows users to report cases anonymously by filling out a form, selecting the relevant categories, and pinpointing the location of the incident. “Once a case is reported, our team of administrators verifies the information before it is made public,” Mwendwa added, ensuring credibility and accuracy in the data collected.

Challenges in Tracking OGBV

Florence, a digital rights advocate involved in tracking cases for the OGBV map, highlighted some of the challenges encountered in monitoring and documenting online abuse. “One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of comprehensive datasets on technology-facilitated violence in Africa. Many cases go unreported, making it difficult to grasp the true extent of the problem,” she explained.

Language barriers also pose a significant challenge, as misogynistic content appears in multiple languages, including indigenous dialects. “If technology-facilitated violence happens in a language we don’t understand, tracking and documenting it becomes nearly impossible,” Florence noted. To counter this, the team employs keyword tracking and sentiment analysis across different languages to identify harmful content.

The Role of Digital Literacy and Policy Advocacy

Shyleena from the Young Women Leadership Institute emphasized the need for capacity-building to empower individuals with digital safety knowledge. “People often don’t realize the importance of securing their digital presence—using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and understanding privacy settings,” she said.

She also pointed out the challenge of anonymity online, which allows perpetrators to evade accountability. “Abusers can easily create new accounts after being reported or blocked, which is why we need stronger policies to address online anonymity and hold perpetrators accountable,” she added.

A Call to Action

The insights from the workshop underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts in addressing OGBV. As Cherie Oyier aptly stated, “Tracking online violence is not just about the numbers; it’s about the people behind the statistics. The stories of survivors need to be heard, and their experiences must drive policy changes and technological innovations.”

The OGBV tracker is a critical tool in this fight, offering a platform for victims to report cases while providing crucial data for policymakers and advocacy groups. KICTANet encourages stakeholders to engage with the map, report cases, and use the data to push for more robust digital rights protections.

To explore the OGBV tracker and contribute to this effort, visit KICTANet’s OGBV Map.