The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter has launched this year’s global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, renewing its resolve to confront all forms of abuse against women and girls, with particular emphasis on the escalating threat of digital violence.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, Chairperson Dr Charity Binka said the campaign must serve as a nationwide call to action rather than a symbolic annual ritual. She noted that deeply rooted inequalities continued to fuel domestic abuse, harmful cultural practices, femicide, and various forms of online exploitation.
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Dr Binka highlighted that digital violence, manifesting as cyber-stalking, sexual extortion, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, deepfake manipulation, and coordinated attacks, had become a serious threat to women’s safety, dignity, and participation in both online and physical spaces. She warned that such abuse carried severe emotional, psychological, and social consequences, often driving girls away from digital platforms and weakening their public engagement.
She called on the government and parliament to strengthen legislation addressing digital violence, stressing the need for clear definitions, criminalisation, and effective prosecution. She further urged technology companies and digital platforms to improve monitoring systems, prevent abuse, remove harmful content promptly, and ensure confidential support for survivors.
The chapter reaffirmed that ending gender-based violence demanded strong leadership, institutional accountability, community vigilance, and sustained citizen involvement. Dr Binka emphasised that digital violence was preventable when society united to protect women and girls and held perpetrators accountable.
This year’s campaign was launched under the theme “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.”
