Digital Violence in Africa Surges as Internet Use Grows
A disturbing trend is unfolding across Africa as digital violence against women, girls and boys surges in tandem with the continent's rapidly expanding internet user base. Experts warn that the proliferation of online violence has severe consequences, including mental health problems, physical attacks, and even femicide. The rapid growth of internet users, particularly among the young, has given perpetrators new tools to control and silence women and girls, and influence boys.
According to Ayesha Mago, global advocacy director at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative, the world online is perpetuating offline inequalities to an alarming extent. "The world offline is already not safe, equal and inclusive, but the world online is exacerbating this to create a foundation for a very unequal future," she notes. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is a growing concern, with millions of women and girls affected every year. Research suggests that up to 60% of women worldwide have experienced this type of abuse.
In Africa, the situation is particularly dire. A study across five sub-Saharan African countries found that 28% of women had experienced online violence. As internet access expands, this number is expected to rise. In Uganda, for instance, nearly half of the women surveyed reported being subjected to online harassment. In Tunisia, research revealed that over 70% of political commentary involving women contained violent or abusive language.
The consequences of digital violence are far-reaching, affecting various aspects of women's lives and often forcing them to self-censor or leave the online world altogether. Experts are calling for urgent action to protect women, girls and boys from this growing threat.
The alarming surge in digital violence against women and girls in Africa demands immediate attention from governments, tech companies, and civil society. The rapid expansion of internet access has created new opportunities for perpetrators to silence and control women, and it is imperative that we develop effective strategies to combat this issue. By working together, we can create a safer online environment and prevent the devastating consequences of digital violence.
