In today’s digital age, online spaces have become a new frontier for gender-based violence. Cyberbullying and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) are increasingly prevalent, posing significant threats, particularly to women and girls.
A recent discussion with Cherie Oyier, Programs Officer for Women’s Digital Rights at KICTANet, on NTV – Fixing the Nation- shed light on the multifaceted nature of TFGBV, exploring its various forms, from cyberbullying and online harassment to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and doxing.
Cherie explained that TFGBV encompasses a range of online harms specifically targeting women and girls, including not only cyberbullying and online harassment, but also the non-consensual sharing of intimate images (sometimes referred to as “revenge porn”) and doxing (the malicious release of private information).
The one-hour conversation explored several key aspects of this issue:
- Self-Protection Strategies: Cherie highlighted practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves online. These include utilizing the reporting mechanisms built into social media platforms to flag abusive content, blocking known abusers to limit their contact, and employing content filters to minimize exposure to harmful material.
- Legal Framework Challenges: Cherie pointed out that laws like the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act, while intended to combat online crime, are often too broadly worded. This breadth can lead to misuse of the law and make it difficult to prosecute TFGBV effectively. She emphasised the need for more specific legislation tailored to the unique nature of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including provisions for victim compensation and stronger protections. The point was made that while defamation is harmful, it is not always legally actionable, further highlighting the need for legal reforms.
Cherie explained some initiatives that KICTANet executes to address TFGBV including:
- Digital Literacy Training: Empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly is a core component of their strategy. This includes educating people about online risks, privacy settings, and how to identify and respond to cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse.
- Advocacy for Stronger Laws: KICTANet actively advocates for the development and implementation of more robust legal frameworks specifically designed to address TFGBV. We work to influence policy and legislation to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Research to Understand the Scope of the Problem: KICTANet is researching to document the prevalence and impact of TFGBV in Kenya. This data is crucial for understanding the scope of the problem, informing policy interventions, and raising public awareness.
