Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
A Webinar Recap
In a recent insightful webinar, within TheCollaborative Community of Practice, we explored the critical issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV). This conversation aimed to discuss the nexus between sexual reproductive health and TF-GBV, shedding light on existing structures, actions, and interventions in various East Africa countries. The objective was to share learnings, identify tools that need development, and propose adaptable solutions. The webinar featured distinguished panelists from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, each providing a unique perspective on the issue.
Watch the full webinar recording and view the webinar slides.
Defining Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
The discussion began with an overview of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, highlighting its various forms, including cyberbullying, online harassment, sextortion, child pornography, and online trafficking. These violent behaviors disproportionately affect women and girls, with statistics indicating that 85% of women and girls globally have witnessed online violence, and nearly 40% have experienced it personally. Such violence has severe emotional, psychological, and physical impacts on survivors, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue.
Defining Key Terms in TF-GBV
Cyber bullying: a form of online harassment that aims to threaten, embarrass, or deliberately target another person or group of people online. Examples include mean, aggressive, or rude posts, messages, and comments.
Cyber-stalking: persistent and intrusive mentoring of victims online. According to research, ex-partners frequently use social media to track and harass victims.
Doxing: a release of personal information online with malicious intent, which can lead to physical harm, harassment, or economic consequences.
Online harassment: the use of information and communication to cause harm to another person, such as: abusive messages, threats, and derogatory comments.
Sextortion: the practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity online (ie: photos).
Sexting: Sending and forwarding sexually explicit messages, including photos.
Insights from Uganda: Edith Atim
Mrs. Edith Atim, a human rights lawyer from Uganda, provided a detailed account of technology-facilitated gender-based violence in her country. According to statistics from UN Women, one in three women in Uganda has experienced online violence. Most victims are women journalists who face various forms of harassment, including online stalking and cyberbullying. Edith emphasized the need for awareness and action interventions, highlighting limited digital literacy as a significant factor contributing to TF-GBV. She called for strengthened frameworks and the involvement of tech companies to mitigate this issue.
In Uganda, digital literacy training led by organizations like the Women and Girl Child Development Association and the Forum for Women in Democracy teach women about TF-GBV and self-protection. These trainings include privacy tips and reporting platforms like SAUTI-116, including a Uganda Police Force number. Social media campaigns can also further raise awareness and equip women with skills to combat online harassment. Collaboration with technology companies also helps address online GBV effectively.
Tanzania’s Approach: Dr. Katanta Simwanza
Dr. Katanta Simwanza from Tanzania discussed the dual nature of technology, noting its potential to both empower and harm. He provided examples of innovative interventions in Tanzania, such as the “Sheria Kiganjani” app (translated; The Law in Your Palm), which allows individuals to report incidents of GBV via a mobile number. This app triages cases and directs victims to appropriate services. Dr. Simwanza also shared a success story involving a young girl who used a mobile tracking system to report ongoing abuse, leading to swift action and support from authorities. He stressed the importance of behavior change models and digital tools in enhancing GBV prevention and response. Learn more about Tanzania’s Plan of action to end Violence Against Women.
Rwanda’s Perspective: Annonciata Mukayitete
Annonciata Mukayitete from Rwanda highlighted the increasing internet and mobile phone usage in her country, noting the significant challenges posed by social-cultural norms. She focused on the vulnerabilities of sexual minorities, who face severe online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, doxxing, and hate speech. During her presentation, Annonciata referenced a report, Decoding TF-GBV by Generation-G partnership, about TF-GBV from 7 countries including Rwanda and Uganda in the East Africa region.
Annonciata called for more robust legal frameworks and the inclusion of TF-GBV in national GBV laws, advocating for the protection and empowerment of marginalized groups.
Download the presentation slides.
Insights from Kenya: Tonny Olela
Tonny Olela from Kenya provided an overview of technology-facilitated gender-based violence statistics in his country and discussed the various ways individuals use social media. He highlighted various forms of online sexual exploitation and abuse, detailed in the call-out box above. Tonny emphasized the need for awareness and education on these issues to prevent individuals from falling victim to such crimes. He shared tips for safe internet use and resources for victims of online harassment. Learn more about Tonny’s tips in his presentation slides.
Moving Forward: Collaborative Efforts and Solutions
The webinar underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing TF-GBV. Participants were encouraged to share their thoughts and definitions of TF-GBV, contributing to a richer understanding of the issue. The panelists stressed the need for comprehensive approaches, involving governments, tech companies, and civil society organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Awareness and Education: There is a critical need for increased awareness and digital literacy to prevent TF-GBV. Education campaigns should target both the general public and specific vulnerable groups.
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Robust legal frameworks are essential to address and prevent TF-GBV. Countries should ensure that their GBV laws encompass technology-facilitated forms of violence.
- Innovative Technological Solutions: Leveraging technology to combat TF-GBV is vital. Apps and digital tools that allow for anonymous reporting and provide immediate support can be highly effective.
- Support Systems for Survivors: Providing comprehensive support to survivors, including psychological, legal, and medical assistance, is crucial. Community-based interventions can play a significant role in this regard.
- Collaboration and Advocacy: Collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, tech companies, NGOs, and community groups, is necessary to create a holistic approach to tackling TF-GBV. Advocacy efforts should focus on policy changes and resource allocation for combating this issue.
Webinar Q&A
Phidiliah Rose moderated the Question and Answer portion of the webinar. Here are some of the questions addressed:
How are you leveraging some applications that have been developed to help curb some cases of TG-GBV?
Answer: Leveraging applications like bSafe and Circle of 6 for real-time safety and emergency alerts, HarassMap and Safety for anonymous reporting and data collection, and TalkSpace for mental health support. These tools empower users to protect themselves, report TG-GBV, and access necessary resources.
What are the impacts of victim blaming on individuals who have experienced TF-GBV, and how can we as a community support victims better?
Answer: Victim blaming leads to more emotional distress, mental health issues, reluctance to report, and loss of trust. Community support is required through educating others, believing and validating victims, providing helpful resources, promoting safe online practices, and advocating for protective policies.
Adolescents and youth are big users of social media and other online platforms, and yet they may not know the different forms of TF-GBV and how to identify when it happens to them. How do we ensure that we are not leaving this key population behind?
Answer: To ensure Gen Z and other adolescents understand TF-GBV, proactive educational approaches are needed, including age-appropriate programs, school activities, interactive games, and online quizzes. Creating safe spaces for open conversations and leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are essential. Digital literacy scripts and university outreach programs can address TF-GBV. Providing detailed resources, promoting positive online behaviors, and maintaining continuous engagement with feedback are key strategies.
Key Recommendations on Safe Digital Use
- Avoid sharing information such as home address, that identifies a person’s location.
- Be wary of unsolicited messages from strangers, especially who ask about personal information.
- Regularly review and update your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information and ensure that the management of your profiles are only accessible to yourself.
- Encourage others to report abuse, if and when it happens, to platform administrators & seek emotional support.
Conclusion
The webinar highlighted the complex and pervasive nature of TF-GBV, emphasizing the need for multi-faceted solutions. By sharing experiences and insights, the panelists provided a roadmap for addressing this issue at both national and international levels. Continued dialogue, innovative interventions, and collaborative efforts are essential to create a safer digital environment for everyone, particularly women and girls.
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