Across Africa, the digital revolution is reshaping lives. With over 526 million Africans now online and mobile phone penetration exceeding 50%, technology promises unprecedented opportunities for connection, education, and empowerment. Yet this same digital transformation has become a double-edged sword in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). The statistics are sobering: globally, one in three women experience GBV during their lifetime, while men also face significant rates of violence.
In Africa, countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa report GBV rates exceeding 40% across genders. As our continent becomes increasingly connected, we face a critical question: Will technology become a tool for liberation or another weapon of oppression?
When Connection Becomes Control, The Dark Side of Digital
Technology has created new battlegrounds for gender-based violence, often hidden from view and difficult to prosecute: The Invisible Wounds of Cyber harassment runs rampant; 59% of African women and significant numbers of men have faced online abuse, from threatening messages to coordinated harassment campaigns Privacy violations escalate. One in ten women and men aged 18-35 have had intimate images shared without consent, creating lasting trauma and social stigma Children face unprecedented risks: UNICEF estimates over 50 million African children are vulnerable to online exploitation annually. Digital surveillance becomes domestic control as 25% of women and men report being tracked or monitored by partners through their devices. These digital forms of violence carry real-world consequences, silencing voices, limiting opportunities, and perpetuating cycles of abuse that extend far beyond screens.
Technology as Sanctuary
Some Digital Tools are fighting back despite these threats, innovative digital solutions are emerging as powerful allies in the fight against online GBV. Emergency Response Revolution Mobile platforms are transforming crisis response. Apps like Safecall have reached over 10,000 users in Kenya alone, providing immediate access to support services that might otherwise be unreachable. Amplifying Voices for Change Social media campaigns are breaking silences and challenging norms. The #DigitalSafeAfrica campaign engaged over 1.2 million people in 2024, sparking conversations that were previously taboo.
Evidence in Every Pocket Smartphones enable survivors to document abuse safely, enabling legal proceedings while maintaining their security. Anonymous Reporting Transforms Communities Online with reporting systems that allow survivors to seek help without fear. Pilot programs in South Africa have increased GBV reporting by 30%, bringing hidden crimes into the light. Life-Saving Alerts GPS-enabled safety apps are cutting emergency response times by over 50%, potentially saving lives in critical moments.
Amaan Africa’s Vision
Digital Rights are Human Rights At Amaan Africa, we believe digital safety is not a luxuryβit’s a fundamental human right. Our mission centers on transforming technology from a source of harm into an instrument of empowerment.Β Thus, using digitalization as an instrument for Advocacy, equality, peace building and conflict resolution.
Our Comprehensive Strategy
1. Integrated Support Networks We connect digital and traditional GBV services, ensuring survivors can access counseling, healthcare, and legal aid through unified platforms.
2. Youth-Led Digital Advocacy Young people are driving change through campaigns that promote safe technology use and challenge gender inequality both online and offline.
3. Community Education Programs We tackle the root causes by challenging patriarchal norms that enable GBV across all platformsβdigital and physical.
4. Policy and Legal Reform We advocate for robust legal frameworks that recognize digital abuse as real abuse, with enforcement mechanisms that protect survivors.
5. Strategic Partnerships We build bridges between tech companies, governments, and civil society to create accountability and drive systemic change.
Innovation for Protection
Digital Literacy is Liberation and the only escape out of poverty. πππ₯ππ¬ππ§ππ£π π πππππππππππ ππͺππͺππ π¬ππ©π π πππ π«ππππππ πΊπ ππ‘ππ¨ πππ πΌπ° π»π€ππ‘π ππ€π πππ€ππππ¨ππ€πππ πͺπ€ππ©ππ£π π«πππππ€ππ’ππ£π is our core mission. Our comprehensive programs teach internet safety, privacy protection, and threat recognition, empowering users to protect themselves and others. Our long term project is to create a safety shelter for Peer Support Networks, survivors and advocates to share experiences, build resilience, and stand united against digital threats.
The Path Forward
As Africa’s digital landscape expands, we stand at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine whether technology becomes an instrument of oppression or a catalyst for equality. The Change We Seek We envision a digital Africa where;
Women and men navigate online spaces with confidence and security.
Technology amplifies marginalized voices rather than silencing them.
Digital tools prevent violence rather than enabling it.
Communities use connectivity to build solidarity and support
*Join Our Movement* This transformation requires collective action (SDG17). Whether through advocacy, donations, partnerships, or simply spreading awareness, every contribution matters in building a safer digital future. Together, we can close the digital divide and ensure technology serves humanity’s highest aspirationsβsafety, equality, and dignity for all.Β
Support Our Mission
Amaan Africa is committed to impacting 10,000 lives by 2030 Donate today or HIRE a service at Amaan Digital , βFollow this link to view our catalog on WhatsApp:Β https://wa.me/c/237678814113
Join us in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ways to Contribute PayPal:Β amaan.digitaltlc@gmail.comΒ
MTN Mobile Money Name: ASHU AYEM EPSE NKUMBE MAUREEN AKORSONG
Number: +237 675 544 686
UBA Bank Transfer Bank: United Bank for Africa (UBA)
Account: Amaan Africa Association
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Written by Thulani Moyo,
Amaan Africa SDG Blogger
Zimbabwe