Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. EXPERTS and gender rights advocates have called for intensified, co-ordinated action to curb technology-facilitated gender-based violence, warning that digital platforms are increasingly becoming unsafe spaces for women and girls.
The calls were made at a recent consultative dialogue hosted by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, which brought together government officials, legal experts, civil society organisations and faith-based groups to explore strategies for combating online abuse, harassment and cyberbullying.
As internet access and social media use expand across Zimbabwe, women and girls are facing rising levels of online harassment, threats, non-consensual sharing of images and cyberbullying. Stakeholders say addressing the problem requires stronger law enforcement, survivor-centred justice systems, digital literacy and collective action involving government, civil society, the church and communities.
Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development ministry chief director Lilian Takaendesa said digital spaces, while empowering, had exposed women and girls to new forms of abuse.
“While digital platforms are an enabler for amplifying women’s voices, they have also created an easy opportunity for perpetrating harm against women and girls,” she said.
The role of the church in addressing gender-based violence was also highlighted, with pastor Cleo Nyaku stressing the importance of collaboration among government, civil society organisations and faith-based institutions to influence behavioural change at the community level.
A representative from the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs ministry, outlined the legal consequences of online abuse, noting that cyberbullying and harassment are criminal offences under section 164B of the Criminal Code.
“A person convicted of this crime may be sentenced to up to 10 years imprisonment,” he said.
Legal Resources Foundation director Valerie Zviuya called for a holistic approach to close institutional gaps in the justice system, particularly in handling technology-facilitated gender-based violence cases.
“Access to justice for survivors of technology-facilitated gender-based violence is a three-tier pathway. Various institutional gaps must be addressed within key institutions: the police, NPA [National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe and the JSC [Judicial Service Commission],” she said.
Sprout Women Empowerment Trust executive director Caroline Mutimbanyoka emphasised the urgency of creating safe online environments for women and girls.
“Online abuse is real abuse. Every woman and girl deserves safety — on every platform, everyday,” she said.
Dinah Falala & Phoebe Sandi Foundation founder Mildred Sandi, in a powerful call to action, said: “United we stand, empowered we rise. Let’s shatter the screens of silence and unite to end digital violence, paving the way for a world where all women and girls live free from fear and violence.”
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
