SADC Calls for Action Against Digital Violence in 16-Day Campaign
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called on Member States, technology companies, and communities to intensify efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with a particular focus on digital violence against women and girls.
In a statement marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV Campaign, SADC Executive Secretary H.E. Mr Elias M. Magosi highlighted the growing threats posed by cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and digital stalking.
He warned that such violence undermines self-esteem and discourages women and girls from engaging in online spaces, limiting their access to opportunities.
Mr Magosi emphasised the need for stronger legal recognition of digital violence, robust regulation of the technology sector, and accountability from social networking platforms.
He applauded recent international and continental developments, including the United Nations resolution on Violence Against Women in Digital Environments (2024) and the African Union’s Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (2025), as key milestones in addressing technology-facilitated GBV.
The Executive Secretary urged SADC Member States to develop comprehensive frameworks to combat digital violence, citing Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as examples of nations taking legislative and policy measures.
He also highlighted the Regional Consultative Forum on the Engagement of Men and Boys, held in South Africa from 25–28 November, which stressed the importance of mobilising communities to promote gender equality and prevent GBV.
Mr Magosi called on technology companies to remove harmful content, protect personal data, and create safe online environments, while urging citizens to support survivors and challenge harmful online behaviours.
“Let us unite to advance a GBV-free region, where women, men, and children can participate freely online and benefit from digital opportunities,” he concluded.
