In this first episode, we take a look at digital violence and how the Internet can be a hateful, hostile place, particularly for women, girls, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. We explore the extent to which digital violence is prevalent in the East and Southern Africa Region. In the past few years, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, 85 percent of women have experienced or witnessed digital violence. Digital violence, which is prevalent, repetitive, perpetual and pervasive, violates a person's privacy, dignity, autonomy and rights and it can be devastating.

This episode highlights the need to end cyberstalking to hate speech and the non-consensual use of images and video, such as deepfakes. When someone infringes on music or film copyright, digital platforms remove the content immediately.

Governments have passed laws making copyright infringement illegal and digital platforms have devised ways to identify and prevent the unauthorized use of copyrighted material. UNFPA calls for the same protections and repercussions must also extend to individuals and their photos.

UNFPA calls for technology companies and policymakers to take digital violence seriously.

Time for change and sign the petition now. Go to: https://www.unfpa.org/bodyright Learn more about the Global 16 Days Campaign · Claim your bodyright · Twitter · Facebook · YouTube · Donate · Website