Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) says technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is threatening the safety and participation of women and girls across the country, as the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign kicked off on November 25.In a communique, ZHRC said online abuse — including cyberbullying, sextortion, trolling, doxing, hacking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images was one of the fastest-growing forms of violence against women.
The statement coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which marked the start of the activism campaign running until December 10.
“This year’s theme, ‘End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls: Join the UNiTE Campaign to Stop Digital Abuse,’ underscores the urgent need to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence,” reads the statement.
The Commission said women in public life, including journalists, activists, politicians and younger women and girls, were most affected by online abuse.
It said TFGBV has serious health, safety, political and economic consequences, often silencing victims who self-censor to avoid abuse.
The Commission said such violence can escalate from online spaces into physical attacks, sometimes resulting in femicide.
It also referenced UN Women statistics, which estimate that nine million women globally have experienced some form of internet-based violence since the age of 15.
While noting government interventions, including the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] and the National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (2023–2030), ZHRC said enforcement and support systems remain inadequate.
“The ZHRC is particularly concerned that TFGBV continues to undermine women’s participation in political leadership, electoral processes and governance structures,” reads the statement.
The commission urged the Government to develop national guidelines for reporting and responding to online gender-based violence and to ensure full implementation of the GBV National Strategy, including dedicated funding.
Italso called for enhanced training of Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and judicial officers to handle digital abuse cases effectively.
Reaffirming its commitment to tackle the issue, ZHRC said it will strengthen its internal capacity on human rights and technology to protect, promote and enforce human rights in Zimbabwe.
“The ZHRC invites all stakeholders to collectively build a Zimbabwe where digital and physical spaces are safe, inclusive and uphold the right to human dignity,” it said.
