By Judith Amondi
Tech-facilitated GBV and its impact on mental health are deeply intertwined, especially for women who are disproportionately affected by these forms of digital abuse. As digital spaces are part of our daily lives, the effects of online abuse have grown more evident.
In one way or the other, we have gone through cyberbullying, sexual harassment defamation, hate speech, exploitation, and gender trolling online. This has led to the loss of life, identity crisis, low self-esteem, depression, and trauma. TF-GBV happens across geographical locations and goes on across all borders however, there is no adequate data on its impact or resolution, since it happens in the online space. Most of the time it is tedious to trace the perpetrators because of the anonymity in which this is conducted.
As much as it cuts across both genders, women remain vulnerable and prone to these attacks. This involves the use of language that degrades, sharing of clear intimate images or even sexual emails, messages and offensive advances on social media platforms, and threats and insults by strangers or acquaintances always tainting their image, personally and professionally. This has led to psychological distress, loss of self-esteem and identity, social isolation, and withdrawal from social media or limiting their online presence to avoid harm or feel safe and upholding their dignity.
In Kenya, women and girls are often targeted through cyberstalking and harassment on social media platforms, doxing, online defamation, and impersonation through fake accounts used to manipulate, scam, and harm. The mental impact of TFGBV is severe and long-lasting, and the psychological toll can be as damaging just as the other forms of violence hence, it is important to recognize the unique challenges women face in the digital age.
Addressing these challenges for both immediate and long-term impacts not only requires mental health support but also legal, social, and technological solutions to prevent digital abuse. Women must be given the tools to protect themselves, find support, and reclaim control over their digital lives, so they can heal and thrive. This serves as a call for a multifaceted approach since there is no law explicitly addressing TF-GBV in Kenya, despite having other laws that can be used to build a case of violence or harassment perpetrated online.
However, we should also commend the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which has created a platform for reporting cases that involve one’s personal information for remedy outside of court processes. The Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act 2018 also criminalizes various forms of digital violence.
There is also a need for sufficient capacity building on digital safety and skills, awareness creation, education and harnessing a relationship between technology companies and policymakers, to formulate a definitive mechanism that can protect everyone from online violence.
Judith Otieno, NAYA Kenya health rights advocate, Kisumu.
