Digital Surge Fuels Online Violence Against Women

Urgent Call for Policy Action to Combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Tanzania

Gender experts are sounding the alarm, urging for immediate and decisive policy interventions to address the escalating threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Tanzania. As the nation experiences a rapid surge in digital access, women and girls are increasingly finding themselves exposed to new and insidious forms of online abuse, demanding a more robust and targeted regulatory framework.

During a national symposium themed “Safer Digital Space for All,” digital expert Mr. Clarence Kipoboto from C-Sem highlighted the paradox of Tanzania’s digital progress. While significant strides have been made in regulating online content and digital financial systems, protections specifically designed to combat gender-based violence online remain conspicuously inadequate.

“There are clear efforts to regulate online spaces,” Mr. Kipoboto stated, “but policies specifically addressing technology-facilitated GBV are not yet fully integrated.” He elaborated on the emerging threats that women and girls face, including sexual exploitation, cyberstalking, the malicious use of deepfakes, and a host of other technology-driven violations that exploit vulnerabilities and erode personal safety.

The sheer scale of Tanzania’s digital transformation is undeniable. Figures from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority reveal a staggering number of over 106 million mobile subscriptions, with internet penetration now exceeding 85 percent. This widespread connectivity, while a testament to progress, has inadvertently widened the pathways for online harassment. Mr. Kipoboto cautioned that this increased connectivity has also amplified women’s exposure to online harassment, the non-consensual circulation of intimate images, and the spread of manipulated content designed to defame or coerce.

Ms. Melissa Barrett, the Deputy Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Tanzania, emphasized the critical juncture at which the country stands. “As more women and girls come online, they are increasingly targeted by a borderless form of harm,” she asserted. Ms. Barrett underscored that TFGBV is not a mere “virtual issue” but a grave violation of human rights with profound and tangible consequences.

Officiating at the symposium, Ms. Abeda Rashid Abdallah, Permanent Secretary in Zanzibar’s Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, acknowledged that gender-based violence, in all its forms, remains a pervasive and significant human rights challenge. “Nearly 40 percent of married women in Tanzania experience some form of partner violence,” she stated, drawing a stark parallel between offline and online threats. “Digital platforms risk amplifying these inequalities if not properly regulated.”

Tanzania’s existing legal framework includes several key pieces of legislation, such as the Cybercrimes Act, the Electronic and Postal Communications Act, the Electronic Transactions Act, and Online Content Regulations. While these laws provide a foundational structure for governing online activities, experts contend that they fall short of adequately addressing the inherently gendered nature of online abuse. The specific nuances of how technology is weaponized against women and girls require a more tailored and intersectional approach.

To bridge this critical gap, national policies, including the 2023 National Gender and Women Development Policy and the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, must be proactively expanded to explicitly encompass and address online spaces. This integration is crucial for a comprehensive strategy that recognizes the evolving landscape of violence.

Current statistics paint a concerning picture: 39.5 percent of women aged 15–49 report experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by their partners. Alarmingly, more than half of young women indicate having encountered some form of online harassment, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures and robust support systems.

Finland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms. Theresa Zitting, reinforced the imperative of integrating TFGBV into broader gender policies. She advocated for enhanced collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, technology companies, and development partners. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of improving digital literacy, developing effective online safety mechanisms, and adopting survivor-centred policy approaches that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of victims.

“Addressing TFGBV is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive digital environment for all,” Ms. Zitting concluded, underscoring the universal benefit of tackling this complex issue. The call for action is clear: Tanzania must move swiftly to fortify its digital defenses and ensure that its burgeoning online presence does not become a breeding ground for gender-based violence.