BLOGGERS SENSITIZED ON DIGITAL SAFETY FOR WOMEN ASPIRANTS

AMWIK in partnership with Women@web (DW) trained bloggers on Digital Safety and Security seeking to address challenges facing women aspirants in the online spaces. Kenya outlawed cyber harassment in 2018 under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, which defines it as indecent or excessively offensive communication. However, many cases of online attacks have resorted in a crucial call by AMWIK to fight against it.

Despite existing cybercrime laws, several women have reported incidences of cyberbullying, yet no action has been taken. With the widespread use of social media, offline attacks have now transferred online. A survey by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in April 2022, ranked Kenyans as “the worst bullies on Twitter.” In this regard, women in politics in Kenya are shying away from using social media as their campaign tool as they fear being attacked online. Therefore, AMWIK sees it fit to include bloggers in its initiative to fight against online violence and build champions among online users who will support and defend women politicians.

“Bloggers have enormous influence. We must collaborate with them to enhance women’s online safety.” Judie Kaberia, AMWIK Executive Director, expressed.

Digital insecurity is a manageable problem that will necessitate each of us to take ownership of our social media spaces and ensure that we establish a safe area for engagements. The training provided insight into how digital influencers, such as bloggers, might contribute to online violence by remaining silent when participation in their spaces devolves into an insult circus.

“You should have a clearly stated and an upfront zero-tolerance policy for any threatening or violent behaviour on your social spaces.”  Lourdes Walusala, a digital media trainer, accented.

By Mercy Wairimu- Intern, AMWIK