The theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a timely reminder to all that the safety of women and girls within the digital space must be prioritised by all users of the internet. Technology is an essential tool for education, business, leadership, activism, and social engagement. Yet, women and girls in The Gambia are disproportionately exposed to online harassment, cyberbullying, impersonation, stalking, sexual extortion, and non-consensual sharing of intimate content.
FLAG affirms that digital rights are human rights and should be given an equal level of attention as other forms of human rights violations. Digital violence against women and girls leads to a violation of their privacy, safety, bodily autonomy, and freedom of expression. The emotional, psychological and sometimes physical harm that results from digital violence contributes to the silencing of women and girls, particularly survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and human rights defenders.
While commending the Government of The Gambia for its efforts to regulate digital spaces, there is a critical need to embed gender-responsive cyber protection mechanisms within laws, policies and institutional systems to safeguard women and girls from digital violence.
FLAG will continue to champion this cause by:
• providing pro bono legal representation and advisory support for survivors of digital violence;
• contributing to policy advocacy for stronger laws on cyber harassment, online sexual exploitation, and implementation of data protection laws and policies;
• raising awareness and conducting community engagements on women’s digital rights;
• training law enforcement and justice actors on handling of digital violence cases;
• demanding accountability for perpetrators of all forms of violence against women and girls; and
• strengthening partnerships with government, civil society, schools, religious and community leaders to promote responsible and safe use of digital platforms.
• prioritise stronger protections for women and girls in digital spaces;
• promote digital literacy for parents, youth and schools, so communities understand the risks and how to prevent online harm;
• invest in gender-responsive investigative and reporting systems for cybercrimes; and
• contribute their quota in the enforcement of laws and policies protecting women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence.
Together, we can build a safer digital future where women and girls are protected, respected, and empowered—online and offline.
