Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara [email protected]
THE Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) has expressed concern over cases of digital gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls, especially those working in the informal sector.
In a statement marking the beginning of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, BVTA said the theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, highlights a challenge that continues to harm vulnerable groups.
The organisation noted that women traders, vendors and small-scale entrepreneurs increasingly rely on digital platforms to market their businesses, a shift that has exposed many to online harassment, image-based abuse, and other forms of technology-facilitated GBV.
Recent national statistics indicate that 63 percent of women journalists have faced some form of digital abuse, with women also reporting hate speech at 60 percent, trolling at 17 percent and sexual harassment at 12 percent.
BVTA described the trend as worrying, particularly because the same digital tools meant to help entrepreneurs reach customers are becoming platforms for harassment.
The organisation also raised concerns about the vulnerability of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to cyberattacks, Citing global studies, BVTA said about 70 percent of cyberattacks target small to medium businesses, and many Zimbabwean firms fall into this category.
Limited resources and weak security systems put MSMEs at greater risk, it said.
BVTA has pledged commitment to promoting a safe and supportive business environment that recognises and protects MSMEs, especially enterprises led by women.
The organisation is pushing for stronger laws, better enforcement and improved online safety measures from technology companies.
Its efforts are aligned with the National Gender-Based Violence Strategy (2023–2030), which targets a 30 percent reduction in GBV cases and promotes survivor-centred approaches.
BVTA has since called upon the public, policymakers and private sector stakeholders to support initiatives that prevent and respond to GBV in all its forms.
