Online Gender Based Violence a Threat to Women and Girls' Lives Across the Globe

By Robby Ngoba

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

As Kenya women and girls continue to grapple with physical assaults, psychological, sexual and economic violence, a new trend is compounding their suffering- technology.

What should have made life easier and a global village is now increasingly turning into a tool of terror.

Online Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is first emerging as one of the country’s most alarming threats, leaving thousands of women and girls traumatised and vulnerable.

GBV against women and girls is increasingly linked to interactions that human rights defenders says begin online.

Pili Salim, a representative from Nawiri Afrika says majority of women and girls first meet their attackers through social media or dating platforms.

She spoke at Juwaba Social Hall in Kilifi County during the ongoing sensitisation campaign of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The 16 days of activism against gender-based violence is a national campaign conducted annually from 25 November to December 10.

“With the anonymity of fake accounts and digital spaces have opened new avenues for predators to threaten, stalk and manipulate women and girls,” she said.

According to her, she warned that violence born on social media often escalates into real- harm.

She stated that perpetrators routinely hide behind false identities, or create loopholes in cybercrimes laws, leaving victims without justice.

“I urge the government to put stronger digital safety mechanism and also improve reporting channel to end these honorious acts,” said Pili.

David Ziro, a Kilifi youths leader echoed the statement, stating that both online and physical GBV cases are devastating lives, especially in remote areas.

He revealed that poverty forces many survivors to remain silent or abandon cases.

“Most of these cases happen in remote area where police station and legal support are scarce. Some perpetrators even flew to neighbouring counties, leaving victims without closure,” said Ziro during the engagement forum.

Omar Khamis, a bodaboda chairperson, urged the government and law enforcement to fast-track online GBV investigation at the County level for swift action.

He also challenge technology companies to take greater responsibility, adding that they must simplify reporting pathways and respond promptly to abuse.

“Profit investments alone cannot guide their decision,” said Khamis.