Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is emerging as a major threat in the country, with experts warning that online abuse is causing significant psychological, social and emotional harm to women and girls.
The concerns were raised during a media workshop on the safe reporting of gender-based violence (GBV) and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, organised by the Government in partnership with Musasa Project and Sasa Faith, with support from Trócaire.
Reports indicated that about 75 percent of women experience some form of online abuse, including cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, deepfakes and coordinated harassment on social media platforms such as Facebook and X.
Musasa Project director Ms Vimbai Mutendereki said common forms of TFGBV in Zimbabwe include online and slander, which are abusive direct messages, targeted hate speech, and defamation intended to humiliate.
“Image-Based Abuse: sharing or threatening to share private, explicit, or manipulated photos without consent makes one lose self-esteem or even commit suicide,” she said.
“Technology is good when used wisely; however, there is rampant abuse of technological gadgets such as cell phones and computers.”
She also highlighted unequal power dynamics as the major cause of Gender Based Violence, resulting in social exclusion and isolation in communities, thereby affecting economic development.
Mrs Mutendereki said she is quite saddened by the negative comments that communities passed following the death of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42) and her two daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), in their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, UK, last month after a dispute with her husband, Ndodana Tshuma, who was arrested in South Africa.
“To me it was a crime of passion, and we are urging communities to understand the effects of TFGBV on the bereaved families and the nation at large,” she said.
“We have witnessed too many negative comments regarding the murder and the blame being given to the victims while the accused is saluted. Murder is murder no matter what circumstances led to the commission of the crime.”
Their bodies were recently repatriated and laid to rest in Bulawayo. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development’s gender and programmes officer, Mrs Ntombizodzwa Matare, saluted the Government for providing laws which criminalise cyberbullying.
“The Government has the mandate to protect its citizens from all forms of violence,” Mrs Matare said.
“The Cyber and Data Protection Act criminalises cyberbullying, online harassment, and data breaches, providing some legal basis for handling digital evidence.
“The National GBV Strategy (2023–2030) acknowledges digital violence as an emerging priority within broader gender-based violence prevention frameworks.”
She said the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, influencing social norms, and raising awareness on Gender-Based Violence.
“Responsible reporting can challenge harmful stereotypes, promote accountability, encourage survivors to seek help, and contribute to national efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls,” she said.
“Conversely, insensitive or unethical reporting can retraumatize survivors, expose them to further harm, and reinforce stigma.”
