adminTanaka Mahanya
THE digital era calls for more innovative responses to ensure technology is not used to facilitate violence against women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has said.
In a speech read on her behalf at the Women’s Day commemorations by Abbigail Msemburi, UNFPA country representative Gulnara Kadyrkulova said women and girls should be protected from violence which is found in the digital sphere.
“Today, as digital platforms are growing, using technology has become part of our everyday lives.
“This, unfortunately, has also expanded the different spaces through which violence can be perpetrated.
“We saw this during the Covid-19 pandemic, communities had less access to each other as well as to information and services, driving increased use of technology and online spaces hence the need to ensure protection when using these spaces.”
She said there is a need to support women’s economic empowerment initiatives by positively harnessing technology.
“The new and constantly evolving forms, and the specific characteristics of technology-facilitated violence, prevention and response efforts require the collective efforts of national Government and key stakeholders at different levels as well as strong partnerships with the private sector.
“Gender-Based Violence remains a huge problem in Zimbabwe, affecting at least one in three women and girls.
‘‘This sad reality is undoing gains made towards the development and contribution of women and girls in Zimbabwe
“Gender equality enables women and men to make informed decisions that positively impact their own sexual and reproductive health as well as that of their spouses and families.
“Decision-making concerning age at marriage, the timing of births, use of contraception and recourse to harmful practices, including GBV, will be improved with the achievement of gender equality.”
Online Reporter