Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
DIGITAL violence, including cyberbullying, online harassment, hate speech, impersonation, extortion, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images has emerged as one of the most pervasive and underreported forms of gender-based violence.
Running from 25 November to 10 December, this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign adopts the theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, emphasising the urgent need for collective action to safeguard rights, dignity, and safety in online spaces.
In a statement, ActionAid Zimbabwe (AAZ) warned that the problem is worsening, with 28 percent of women in Zimbabwe reporting experiences of online gender-based violence, according to the National GBV Strategy (2023–2030).
The organisation said the crisis cuts across age, geography, income, and political affiliation, silencing voices and undermining participation in public life.
“Digital violence amplifies the inequalities already faced by women and girls.
“Access to reliable, safe, and affordable digital information becomes even more essential for decision-making, protection, livelihoods and health. Every woman and girl should be able to use digital tools with confidence, dignity, and freedom from harm,” said Dr Selina Pasirayi, Interim Country Director of ActionAid Zimbabwe.
ActionAid Zimbabwe called on the government, regulators and digital platforms to implement the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act with a strong gender lens, ensuring women and girls are fully protected from online harassment, exploitation, and abuse.
Dr Pasirayi said effective action must include secure reporting systems, survivor-centred referral pathways, gender-responsive oversight and rigorous prosecution of offenders.
The organisation also urged coordinated national action to prevent and respond to digital violence, recommending that women’s voices be centred in legislation and digital governance, public financing be increased for community-based programmes on digital safety, and legal frameworks be strengthened to protect survivors’ privacy, safety and rights.
“As a feminist organisation, we reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of women and girls across all spaces—physical, virtual, and public,” Dr Pasirayi said.
“We call on government, civil society, technology companies, youth, media, and communities to work together to create a digital environment where every woman and girl can speak, learn, work and lead without violence.”
Unless urgent and coordinated measures are taken to end Digital GBV, she said, the number of women affected by online abuse is likely to rise, further restricting access to critical resources and participation in public life.
