Contribution by Zano Mukadzi Trust
In the digital age, women leaders are increasingly facing a new and insidious threat, technology facilitated violence. This phenomenon, characterized by online harassment, cyberbullying and digital abuse, is not only a personal attack on women leaders but also a profound threat to democracy and human rights. By silencing, intimidating and discrediting women in leadership positions, technology-facilitated violence undermines their ability to participate in public life, shape societal discourse and contribute to decision making processes in private and public sphere.
As a result, entire communities are deprived of vital voices and the very foundations of democratic governance and human dignity are compromised. This introduction sets the stage for a critical examination of the impact of technology-facilitated violence on women leaders and the urgent need for action to protect their rights and promote inclusive governance.
Moreover, technology-facilitated violence and disinformation are rapidly escalating global crises. They disproportionately affect women across both private and public spheres, silencing voices and restricting participation.
While high-profile politicians and activists often attract media coverage, grassroots women leaders such as community organizers, traditional authorities, local councilors, climate defenders, and human rights advocates are equally, if not more, at risk. These women often operate without adequate digital literacy, cybersecurity tools, or institutional support, making them highly vulnerable to politically and socially motivated cyberattacks.
In many communities, grassroots women are the backbone of democratic engagement and social change. Their leadership is essential to local governance, conflict resolution and sustainable development. When they are silenced or intimidated through digital abuse, entire communities lose vital voices. This erosion of participation undermines human rights, weakens democracy, and deepens gender inequality.
Further technology-facilitated violence against women leaders is not just a gender issue it is a profound threat to inclusive governance, civic space and democratic resilience. Addressing it requires urgent, coordinated action by governments, technology platforms, civil society and communities to ensure all women can lead safely, both online and offline.
However, this has to end. Technology-facilitated violence against women leaders must be addressed through collective action. Governments, technology platforms, civil society and communities must work together to protect women leaders by implementing robust measures to safeguard against online harassment and digital abuse, promoting digital literacy and equipping women leaders with essential digital skills and cybersecurity tools.
Moreso there is need to foster a safe online environment that encourages respectful online discourse and holds perpetrators accountable and support grassroots women by providing resources and support to women leaders in local communities. By taking these steps, we can ensure that women leaders can participate fully in public life, shape societal discourse and contribute to decision-making processes without fear of technology-facilitated violence.
Through the STAR Network Sisters initiative, Zano Mukadzi Trust aims to build the capacity of women leaders, protect their rights and promote their meaningful participation in public life. Initiative empowers women leaders by leveraging technology to enhance their resilience and promote their participation in public life. By providing digital literacy training, online safety resources, and networking opportunities, the initiative supports women leaders in building their capacity and protecting their rights.
#End VAWP #TakeItDown #TakeItDown #SpeakOut #SupportVAWPSurvivors