As Malawi commemorates the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a disturbing reality has come to light: over 70% of women and girls in the country have experienced online gender-based violence (GBV). This alarming statistic is a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of GBV in Malawi, where 1 in every 3 women has experienced sexual and/or physical violence, and 42% of women face abuse from their intimate partners.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NGO Gender Coordination Network and the Pamodzi Kuthetsa Consortium deplored the effects of online GBV are far-reaching and devastating, causing psychological trauma, suppressing women’s voices and civic participation, limiting economic opportunities, disrupting education, and increasing physical safety risks. “Let’s unite to end online GBV and create a safer, more inclusive online environment for all,” they emphasized.
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