Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has emerged as a significant issue in Kenya, disproportionately affecting women in digital spaces. As more people turn to online platforms for opportunities and engagement, the normalization of cyberbullying and online harassment targeting women has become a concerning trend.
According to a TFGBV report by AMWIK, over 60% of respondents reported experiencing some form of online harassment, with women making up 81% of the victims. Platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp were identified as the most common sites for these incidents, which include intimate image sharing, hate speech, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Many of these acts are perpetrated by anonymous individuals, taking advantage of the lack of accountability in digital spaces.
In response to this growing threat, AMWIK has taken proactive steps to empower women and build their resilience against TFGBV. Through Digital Safety and Security Capacity Strengthening Workshops held in Kisumu and Mombasa, AMWIK has sought to raise awareness about TFGBV and equip women with the tools to navigate online spaces safely. These workshops have been instrumental in addressing the unique challenges faced by women in leadership and public roles, who are often targeted by staged online harassment intended to intimidate them.
Participants from kisumu during the Digital Safety and Security Capacity Strengthening Workshop.
AMWIK’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Lilian Museka, emphasized the importance of funding and collaboration in combating TFGBV. She highlighted that addressing this issue requires collective efforts from civil societies, community-based organizations (CBOs), journalists, activists, and other stakeholders at both national and county levels. “In order for people to work together, funding is required,” she said. “We need to be able to reach civil societies, CBOs, journalists, and activists to place strategies in this fight, especially at the county level.”
The impact of AMWIK’s initiatives have been strongly felt among participants. Many have resonated with the cases discussed during the workshops and expressed gratitude for AMWIK’s efforts.
Millicent Odhiambo, a politician from Mombasa underscored the need for AMWIK to support female politicians who are often targeted during election periods. “We hope that AMWIK will roll
this out project extensively and find a way of ensuring that as we go into elections in 2027, aspiring female politicians are able to keep safe and their confidence boosted.”
As TFGBV remains a barrier to women’s participation in public discourse and leadership, all stakeholders, from government agencies, civil society groups, private entities, and individuals must work together to create inclusive and secure digital environments for all.
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