Botswana: Nearly half of batswana women report online abuse

The article reports on a study revealing that almost half of women in Botswana have experienced online abuse, highlighting digital violence as an expanding form of gender-based violence. The findings show that cyberstalking, sexual harassment and gender trolling are increasingly common, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook.

Drawing on data from Gender Links Botswana and global institutions, the story outlines how digital abuse affects women’s mental health, safety, education, employment and public participation. Parliamentary Caucus on Women chairperson Helen Manyaneng frames online violence as gender-based violence occurring in a new space and warns that it undermines national development and women’s leadership.

The article stresses the importance of effective implementation of Botswana’s Cybersecurity Bill, improved reporting mechanisms, digital literacy and stronger collaboration between government, civil society and technology companies. It underscores that addressing online abuse is essential to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring inclusive participation in Botswana’s digital future.

LINK TO PUBLISHED STORY: 

https://weekendpost.co.bw/screens-turn-hostile-nearly-half-of-women-face-digital-abuse/ 

This article, first published by Weekend Post, is part of the Media Parity Capacity Building and republished as part of the programme series.