The Spotlight Initiative

WHAT IS ONLINE VIOLENCE ?

Online violence against women and girls can take many forms. It can include the production, distribution and consumption of child sexual abuse material, cyber-stalking, sharing personal information without consent, and online harassment.

ONLINE VIOLENCE AND GENDER

Women and girls are more likely than men to become victims of online violence because gender inequalities make them more vulnerable. This online violence can have psychological, social and economic impacts, and can spill over to physical violence.

ONLINE VIOLENCE AND COVID- 19

Sharing of personal data is a key instrument for the health sector to fight COVID-19. However, the excessive access to and usage of personal data might make women and girls more vulnerable to online stalking and other forms of online abuse.

WHAT ABOUT ONLINE EDUCATION?

Continuing the education of girls during COVID-19 is key to secure their place in Zimbabwe’s future nation building. While moving to online education is essential to continue schooling, it makes girls more vulnerable to different forms of online violence. The Spotlight Initiative is committed to educate girls on how to be safe online.

ONLINE VIOLENCE DURING LOCKDOWN

During the lockdown the use of online platforms has increased. This has been used by some as an opportunity to groom women and girls into exploitative situations.

WHERE YOU CAN GET HELP

If you experience any form of online violence, abuse and exploitation, reach out to the service providers below:

• Childline: 116 (toll-free)
• Musasa: 08080074 (toll-free)
• WhatsApp/SMS: 0775442300
• Legal Resources Foundation: 08080402 (free legal helpline)

The Spotlight Initiative is committed to ensuring that women and girls are protected from online violence and remains dedicated to ensuring that online violence is taken seriously and addressed adequately when reported in Zimbabwe.