Women 27 times more likely to be cyberbullied than men - report

Waiguru said that she is aware that cyberbullying will hinder how women participate in public discourses.

In Summary
  • The report suggests that up to 70 per cent of women have endured cyber violence.
  • "More than one in every five women in Kenya has experienced cyberbullying."
Girl reacts to cyberbullying
Girl reacts to cyberbullying
Image: COURTESY

Women are 27 times more likely to be harassed online than men.

This is according to a report by the African Development Bank.

The report suggests that up to 70 per cent of women have endured cyber violence.

"More than one in every five women in Kenya has experienced cyberbullying," they added.

Technology-facilitated violence comprises a spectrum of behaviours including stalking, bullying, sexual harassment, defamation, hate speech and exploitation.

Chairperson Council of Governors Ann Waiguru during the launch of the Stop Cyber bullying Now Campaign at Nairobi Safari Club on February 28, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI
Chairperson Council of Governors Ann Waiguru during the launch of the Stop Cyber bullying Now Campaign at Nairobi Safari Club on February 28, 2023./WILFRED NYANGARESI

Council of Governors Chair and Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru was on Tuesday the chief guest at the launch of the campaign dubbed Stop Cyberbullies Now!

She recognised that there are few measures put in place to stop the attacks, that is online Gender-based violence.

"Chief Justice Emeritus Maraga recently shared his frustration about trolls and bloggers who torment public figures by portraying them negatively with a view to destroying not just their integrity, but also their careers," she said.

She said that many professional women have been hounded out of their digital spaces and their careers, relationships and confidence jeopardised with little or no room for remedy or protection for them.

Waiguru said that she is aware that cyberbullying will hinder how women participate in public discourses and processes as well.

"Many of us will cower, self-censor and in some instances totally withdraw from these public spaces," she said.

She said that Cyber Bullying is not among the top priorities even though it is recognised as a problem.

"We need to have restorative technology, as well as laws and policies that deter cyberbullying completely," she concluded.

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