Civil society organisations have raised concern over rising cases of gender-based violence in digital spaces, describing the trend as worrying and harmful to women’s safety online.
Speaking in Balaka during the launch of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, NGO-Gender Coordination Network board chairperson Maggie Kathewera Banda said their latest study shows that 73 percent of women are experiencing some form of cyberbullying.
She said the findings point to growing online hostility toward women and girls, adding that digital platforms are increasingly being used to intimidate, harass and silence them
Kathewera Banda acknowledged government’s efforts to enforce existing laws addressing online abuse, but urged authorities to speed up the review of the National Action Plan to Combat Gender-Based Violence, which expired in 2021.
“We want to address issues related to the laws because we have good laws, but what remains is implementation. So, in the action plan, there should be mechanisms to ensure these laws are enforced, where even the Judiciary should be able to introduce punitive measures that will deter people from committing violence,” she said.
She said civil society remains ready to work with government to strengthen response mechanisms and protect women and girls from online harm.
Minister of Gender Mary Navicha said one in every three children has experienced cyberbullying.
She said the ministry is ensuring that both traditional and emerging forms of gender-based violence are addressed by strengthening coordination with law enforcers and the judiciary to protect women, girls and children.
“We are working closely with all stakeholders to strengthen protection systems and ensure that women, girls and children are safe in both physical and digital spaces,” she said.
Navicha also called on service providers to create safer digital environments and urged community leaders to end harmful cultural practices that promote gender-based violence.
She further encouraged the youth to use technology for innovation, not for violating other people’s rights.
Member of Parliament for Balaka Ngwangwa Constituency John Bamusi expressed concern that cases of GBV continue to rise despite the existence of laws meant to curb the same.
Bamusi said there is need for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the laws are effectively enforced.
The launch was held under the theme, United to End Digital Gender-Based violence in Malawi.a
