Today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year, we focus on the urgent and growing threat of digital violence targeting women and girls. Online harassment, hate speech, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, impersonation, and coordinated intimidation have become daily realities for millions. These forms of abuse restrict freedom of expression, compromise safety, and silence the voices of women who engage in digital spaces.
Digital violence is real violence. It not only affects mental health, personal security, participation in public life, and the dignity of those targeted but also threatens, controls, manipulates, and damages an individual or group. As technology continues to shape communication and society, the responsibility to ensure safe and respectful digital environments becomes even more critical.
The African Council of Religious Leaders–Religions for Peace commits to advancing awareness, prevention, and accountability. Faith leaders, youth networks, and women of faith across the continent are joining this effort to promote responsible digital citizenship, strengthen moral guidance in the online sphere, and advocate for stronger protections through policy and community action.
We invite partners, institutions, and individuals to stand against all forms of GBV, promote the ethical use of technology and collective action to strengthen the digital ecosystem, and create safer digital spaces for all.
Engage. Educate. Report harmful behavior. Support survivors.
The next sixteen days will highlight key issues including the forms of digital GBV, children’s online safety, mental health impacts, the role of faith and morality, digital rights, and the importance of men as allies. Together, we move toward a future in which technology supports equity, dignity, and safety for every woman and girl.
More information will be shared across our platforms throughout the campaign period.
Follow the campaign on X, LinkedIn and our website www.acrl-rfp.org