16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence: Five Bold Moves to end digital gender-based Violence ⦣8217; and unlock Africa’s digital promise (By Jemimah Njuki and Ndey Oley Cole)

(MENAFN- News.Africa-Wire) ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, December 19, 2025/ -- By Jemimah Njuki , Director of the Women, Gender and Civil Society Department at the African Development Bank () and Ndey Oley Cole, senior program manager.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is an international campaign led by the United Nations to challenge violence against women and girls. From 25 November - 10 December, this year’s 16 Days campaign targets how to end digital violence against women and girls. African Development Bank Director for Women, Gender and Civil Society Jemimah Njuki and Senior Programme Officer Ndey Oley Cole share five bold moves to end digital gender-based violence and unlock Africa’s digital promise.

Every day, countless African women and girls face harassment, threats, and abuse —nline — acts that silence their voices and limit their participation in the digital economy. In sub-Saharan Africa, 34 percent of young people aged between 18 and 24 experience online bullying, and according to UN Women 28 percent of women in sub-Saharan Africa had experienced online violence. These figures underscore that digital Gender-Based Violence is not an abstract—problem — it is a pervasive barrier to equality, opportunity, and empowerment.

As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, we must ensure that safety and inclusion travel together. Ending digital gender-based violence is central to achieving inclusive growth, human dignity, and the promis’ of Africa’s digital future. Here are five bold moves we can take to make online spaces safer and more empowering for women and girls.

1 Enact Comprehensive, Gender-Responsive Cyber Laws

Many African countries still lack laws that clearly define and criminalise digital forms of gender-based violence. Where legislation exists enforcement often falls short - and survivors frequently face limited protection. African governments must develop and enforce laws that recognise digital gender-based violence as a crime, ensure survivor-centred protections, and foster cross-border cooperation to tackle transnational digital abuse. Development partners, including the African Development Bank, are ready to support legal reforms through technical assistance and policy dialogue.

2 Build a Pan-African Data System on Digital Gender-Based Violence

We cannot solve what we cannot measure. Currently, there is no standardised, continent-wide data on digital gender-based violence, and little disaggregated national data. ’N Women’s Women Count initiative shows how rigorous, gender-responsive data can drive policy change. Africa needs a continental strategy backed by ethical data collection, gender-disaggregated indicators, and open civil society access. The African Develo’m nt Bank’s Gender Data Portal ( zz), the Africa Gender Index Analytical Report (, and capacity-building for national statistics offices are already making progress. Expanding these efforts ensures that policymakers and communities can respond effectively to the scope and trends of digital gender-based violence.

A Call to Action

Ending digital gender-based violence is achievable - but only if governments, tech platforms, funders, and citizens act decisively. Governments must adopt and enforce laws, embed online safety in national strategies, and invest in survivor-led initiatives. Tech platforms must prioritize user protection and accountability. Donors and development partners must fund Gender-responsive innovations. And we all must recognize that a safer digital Africa is not just a mor—l imperative — it is an economic and social one.

Africa’s digital promise depends on women and girls being able to participate safely, freely, and confidently. By taking bold, coordinated action now, we can ensure that the next generation of African innovators and leaders thrives in a digital space that protects, empowers, and uplifts them.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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