Understanding Digital Gender-Based Violence (GBV): A Call to Action
In today's interconnected world, the internet has become a powerful tool for communication, learning, and empowerment. However, for millions of women and girls globally, it has also become a dangerous space riddled with threats and harassment. This alarming phenomenon is known as Digital Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a pervasive issue that demands urgent attention and action.
What is Digital Gender-Based Violence?
Digital GBV refers to harmful behaviors and actions perpetrated through digital platforms and technology, targeting individuals predominantly women and girls based on their gender. These acts often cause significant emotional, psychological and even physical harm. While the online world has opened doors to unprecedented opportunities, it has also created new avenues for abuse.
Types of Digital GBV
Understanding Digital GBV requires knowing its various forms, each with unique methods of
inflicting harm:
● Cyberstalking: Repeated, unwanted online attention that instills fear or distress in the
victim.
Example: A perpetrator bombarding someone with threatening messages across multiple
platforms, making them feel unsafe even in their own home.
● Doxxing: The malicious act of publicly sharing private or personal information, such as
home addresses or contact details, with the intent to intimidate or harm.
● Revenge Porn: The non-consensual sharing of intimate photos or videos, often by an
ex-partner, to humiliate or retaliate against the victim.
● Trolling: Deliberate posting of inflammatory, offensive or hurtful comments aimed at
provoking anger or distress.
● Online Harassment: Repeated, hostile messages or actions designed to intimidate,
humiliate or silence the victim. These behaviors are more than just online nuisances, they have real life consequences, leaving lasting scars on the mental, emotional and social well being of victims.
The Impact of Digital GBV
The effects of digital GBV extend beyond the virtual space, deeply affecting the lives of victims:
● Mental Health: Anxiety, depression and even post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are
common outcomes.
● Emotional Distress: Victims often experience feelings of shame, fear and isolation.
● Social Impact: Many withdraw from online spaces, fearing further harassment, which
can hinder their personal and professional growth.
● Professional Consequences: Damage to reputations or loss of employment opportunities as a result of online defamation or targeted attacks.
Why Raising Awareness Matters
Despite its prevalence, Digital GBV remains underreported and often misunderstood. Victims
may feel silenced or fear backlash if they speak out. By shedding light on this issue, we can:
1. Equip individuals with the knowledge to identify and combat Digital GBV.
2. Liberate survivors to seek help and take action against perpetrators.
3. Advocate for stronger policies and protections in the digital space.
Taking Action: How You Can Help
The fight against Digital GBV begins with awareness and collective effort. Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the different forms of Digital GBV and
share this knowledge with your network.
2. Support Victims: Offer empathy, guidance and resources to those affected by Digital
GBV.
3. Promote Digital Safety: Advocate for safer online practices, such as using strong
passwords, enabling privacy settings, and reporting abuse.
4. Join the Conversation: Participate in workshops, discussions and campaigns that aim to
address and eliminate Digital GBV.
5. END PARTICIPATION: More importantly do not participate in any form of
harassment!!!
A Call to Action
Digital spaces should empower, not endanger. Together, we can confront Digital GBV and create safer, more inclusive online environments for everyone. Join us in raising awareness and taking action. Follow our series to explore more about this issue, share your story and learn how you can make a difference.
Let’s end online abuse and reclaim the internet as a safe space for growth and connection.
Learn more and take action at [SAFIGI] | #EndOnlineAbuse
REFERENCES
By: CHILOMBU KABAMBI
Chilombu Kabambi is a Community Liaison Officer and researcher with three years of nonprofit experience, currently with the Sistah Sistah Foundation. She specializes in quantitative and qualitative research, producing actionable reports to address community needs effectively. Known for her resilience and commitment to social justice, she excels in fostering inclusivity and advocacy.
Chilombu builds relationships with community members, leaders, and partners, develops outreach strategies, facilitates meetings, and organizes events to promote engagement. Her work includes grant writing, resource mobilization, and program reporting to enhance program delivery and keep communities informed.
Beyond her professional role, she co-leads the Young Feminist Network, advocating feminist values and hosting events to amplify diverse voices. She is also advancing a movement to support women and children with disabilities, reinforcing her dedication to social equity.
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