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This initiative aligns seamlessly with this year’s theme, “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” emphasizing a renewed commitment to eliminating violence in all forms, including the digital realm.

A Pressing Issue in the Digital Age

The AMWIK report provides a detailed exploration of the multifaceted ways in which TFGBV manifests in online spaces:

Public Vulnerability on Online Spaces: Women engaging in public discourse, especially activists, professionals, and journalists, face targeted harassment that undermines their safety and confidence.

Reputational Damage Related to Online Violence: Many victims experience reputational attacks, including false accusations and character smears, leading to professional setbacks and personal distress.

Personal and Professional Online Attacks: These targeted actions aim to silence women and hinder their progress, disproportionately affecting those in leadership or public roles.

Radio Silencing of Women on Online Spaces: Persistent harassment forces many women to reduce their online presence or withdraw entirely, curtailing their participation in public dialogue.

Age and TFGBV Vulnerability: The report identifies age-based differences in how TFGBV affects women, with younger and older women experiencing distinct forms of abuse.

Loss of Authentic Voices of Women in Digital Spaces: Women often resort to self-censorship to avoid harassment, creating a sanitized version of their online identity that stifles genuine expression.

Compromised Safety While on Online Spaces: Many women report feeling unsafe even while engaging in professional or social activities online, impacting their ability to thrive in digital environments.

Curated Content as a Form of Self-Censorship: Fear of backlash forces women to tailor their content, avoiding sensitive topics and limiting their advocacy efforts.

The AMWIK report highlights the prevalence of online violence targeting women and marginalized groups. Digital platforms, while offering opportunities for expression and connection, have become tools for abuse, often silencing women and eroding their safety and freedom of expression. The findings of AMWIK’s Kenya report is fully aligned with the UNESCO’s "". UNESCO’s report highlights how generative AI amplifies gender-based violence, including cyber harassment, image-based abuse, and the creation of synthetic histories to defame women. 

According to Misako Ito, UNESCO Regional Advisor for Communication and Information in Africa, “73% of women journalists worldwide have experienced online violence, often linked to disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining their credibility and silencing their voices." Both reports underscore the urgent need for multi-stakeholder approaches involving policymakers, tech companies, and civil society to ensure digital platforms protect women from systemic abuse. 

The campaign theme, “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” calls for coordinated action from all sectors, echoing AMWIK’s panel discussion on the need for a collaborative response to TFGBV. Experts from technology, media, policy, and civil society stressed the importance of aligning legal frameworks with technological advancements, enhancing content moderation, and fostering awareness campaigns.

As the 16 Days of Activism coincide with preparations for the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, AMWIK’s report offers actionable recommendations to address TFGBV, including:

• Strengthening platform-based abuse detection tools and privacy protections.

• Establishing psychological and legal support systems tailored for vulnerable groups.

• Advancing inclusive policies that empower women to reclaim their voices in digital spaces.

These efforts mirror UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms which uphold human rights, in particular freedom of expression, while addressing harmful content online, to hold the big tech companies accountable in addressing TFGBV. Aligned with its mission to promote freedom of expression and gender equity, UNESCO’s research on generative AI emphasizes on the importance of policy reforms, educational initiatives, and collaborative frameworks for creating resilient and safe digital ecosystems for all.