Digital violence against women is rising rapidly, yet most cases go unreported and unpunished, according to recent data and rights groups calling for urgent reforms.
From cyberstalking and image-based abuse to deepfakes and gendered disinformation, women and girls increasingly face threats in online spaces.
Experts warn that digital abuse can escalate into real-world violence, including femicide, and disproportionately affects women in leadership, politics and journalism.
The rise of AI-generated abuse, including impersonation, deepfake pornography and targeted harassment, is making digital spaces even more dangerous for women and girls.
According to UN Women, one in four women journalists report receiving online threats of physical harm, with many forced to reduce their visibility or leave public roles altogether.
“What happens online doesn’t stay online,” UN Women said in a publication. “Until digital spaces are safe, equality remains out of reach.”
An estimated 90 to 95 percent of deepfake content is non-consensual sexual imagery of women. In South Africa, 95 percent of online aggressive behavior targets women and girls.
Across Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal and South Africa, 28 percent of women surveyed reported experiencing online violence.
In African parliaments, 42 percent of female members said they had received death threats, rape threats or threats of abduction online.
Yet fewer than 40 percent of countries worldwide have laws addressing digital violence. In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 25 percent offer legal protection.
Although countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda have introduced cybercrime laws, enforcement remains weak and often gender-neutral, failing to account for the specific harms faced by women.
Advocates are calling for stronger legislation, better enforcement and partnerships with tech platforms to improve content moderation.
They also urge investment in prevention, survivor support and digital literacy for women and girls.
Without urgent action, experts warn, online spaces will continue to fuel violence, deepen inequality and threaten progress toward gender justice.
This story is part of Bantu Gazette’s ongoing series covering the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence around the globe.
