Online Violence Against Women Worsens Global Gender-Based Violence Crisis

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (BG) – As the global campaign for “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” begins, Bantu Gazette urges urgent measures to address the rising epidemic of online violence against women and girls

The campaign, which runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), underscores the need for collective action to address violence in all its forms.

In a statement, Felix Tih, Editorial Director of the Bantu Gazette, emphasized the scale of the issue, stating: “While the digital space offers opportunities for empowerment, it has also become a battleground where women face harassment, threats, and abuse. This online violence is not only a violation of rights but also a significant barrier to women’s full participation in the digital economy and society.”

Tih highlighted the global and regional context of gender-based violence. Data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women’s 2023 report revealed that 51,100 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members last year – 60% of all female homicides globally. With Africa recording the highest femicide rate (2.9 per 100,000 women), he stressed the need for urgent action, especially in the context of the digital age.

Femicide Trends and Challenges in Africa

Recent statistics shed light on the severity of gender-based violence in Africa:

1. Africa leads globally with the highest aggregate number of intimate partner or family-related femicides, accounting for 21,700 deaths in 2023.
2. Women in Africa are more likely to be killed by family members than by intimate partners, emphasizing the need for broader preventive strategies.
3. While the home is often viewed as a safe space, it remains one of the most dangerous places for women globally.

Tih called on governments to invest in online safety measures and integrate digital education into national strategies. “Ensuring women’s safety in digital spaces is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.”

Global Commitment Needed

The Bantu Gazette urged international organizations, governments, and tech companies to collaborate on implementing robust regulations against cyber harassment. It called for stricter enforcement of laws and more investment in victim support systems to ensure justice and accountability.

About the 16 Days Campaign

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, initiated in 1991, has grown into a global movement. This year’s campaign focuses on addressing online violence, an increasingly prevalent form of abuse in today’s digital era.

Bantu Gazette’s call for action underscores the broader need to address gender inequality and create a safer world for women both online and offline.