The Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organization (ADDRO), in partnership with Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), has intensified public advocacy on the growing dangers of digital violence against women and girls as Ghana joins the rest of the world to mark the 2025 ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’.
Speaking during a special discussion on A1 Radio, organized under ADDRO’s Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) initiatives, stakeholders warned that online spaces have become increasingly unsafe for women and girls, with abuses ranging from identity theft to non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Mr. Albert Naa Bogbire, an ICT expert, explained that digital gender-based violence has evolved into a pervasive threat affecting the dignity, safety, and psychological well-being of women.
“When we talk about digital violence, we refer to any form of violence perpetrated against the feminine side using digital technologies. It includes identity theft, doxing, non-consensual sex-related content, and online sexual harassment,” he said.
He noted that both government and technology stakeholders have failed to erect adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable groups online. “We haven’t done enough as a country, and technology companies also haven’t strengthened their systems to stop these abuses,” he added.
Gender Officer at ADDRO, Madam Rebecca L. Seidu, emphasized the organization’s commitment to protecting human dignity across its operational regions.
“ADDRO seeks to transform lives and uphold justice for all. Through our seven thematic areas, including Gender Equity and Social Inclusion, we work closely with ERD to implement community-level interventions. The 16 Days of Activism provides an opportunity to amplify issues of violence against women,” she explained.
She stressed that this year’s global theme, “End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” is timely, particularly as the world marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which continues to shape gender equality efforts.
Youth advocate, Abigail Adumolga of Youth Harvest Foundation Ghana, shared troubling experiences of young girls who unknowingly expose themselves to exploitation.
“Many girls share intimate images with partners without understanding the long-term consequences. When relationships break down, these images are leaked, causing deep psychological trauma,” she said.
She cited the well-known case of media personality Serwaa Amihere, recalling how cyber harassment deeply affected her ability to function socially. “People underestimate the damage digital violence can cause,” she added.
She further condemned widespread online insults, hate speech, and sexual harassment targeting women simply for expressing their opinions on social media.
Madam Yvonne Wonchua, Gender Desk Officer at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, confirmed the prevalence of digital manipulation and exploitation, especially through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
She revealed disturbing practices in which young women are coerced into providing nude images for online romance scams. “Sometimes, scammers use their girlfriends under duress to deceive victims. Though the woman may not be directly involved, her nakedness is exploited. That is violence,” she emphasized.
Madam Yvonne also raised concerns about women unknowingly participating in digital attacks due to the lure of online fame and monetization. “Some engage in harmful content because they believe likes, shares, and followers will bring money. Others get manipulated into humiliating fellow women online,” she noted.
She called for continuous community engagement in local languages to ensure wider understanding of digital safety and rights.
As Ghana observes the 16 Days of Activism—from November 25 to December 10—ADDRO is urging families, schools, civil society, and digital platforms to collaborate in safeguarding women and girls, ensuring that the digital space becomes a place of empowerment rather than abuse.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Bolgatanga
