Women and children are particularly vulnerable on the Internet. Especially among the populations who have not mastered online tools for a long time, or for a short time. A precise legislative framework struggles to emerge on these questions.
African women are increasingly using internet tools. And more than before for their work. However, they are, like children, victims of cyber-harassment, blackmail, scam.
How, if not to end, at least minimize this threat? Specialists in these issues present avenues for reflection. They stress that women in Africa are still afraid to file complaints, due to the stigmatization of those around them. And if the political authorities are aware of the phenomenon, the legislation is slow to follow.
Djamila Ferdjani works for MedCom in Niger, an NGO that works for the emancipation of young girls and women. Gradually, “the condition of women is improving”, she notes. Empowerment programs are implemented. More women are entering positions of responsibility. In this progressive emancipation of African women, digital technology takes a more important place.
For her part, Sylvia Musalagani oversees Facebook’s security policy for sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Questioned by I-conferences, she notes that more and more women are using social networks, internet platforms, including in their professional activities (Instagram, WhatsApp…).
Women create communities of solidarity with other women. They seek personal advice, career development, as well as professional opportunities. “Platforms are opening a path that they did not have before, if only to connect with new markets.”
Awareness needed
However, his country had a specific body which carried out prevention and registered complaints. They are numerous on the part of women and adolescents. They originate in the “digital divide” because not everyone has the same knowledge of computers. “We have many cases of problems with women who are looking for a soul mate and who are faced with scammers and even prostitution networks.”
Burkina Faso deplored cases of abductions of young women and children. “Many parents do not have the knowledge to accompany their children, to supervise them, when they go online. Education and awareness-raising is therefore necessary”, specifies Maxime Da.
Djamila Ferdjani recalls that everywhere, the figures show that women are the biggest targets of cyber-harassment, extortion, blackmail, etc. She points out an essential fact: the behavior of women, who in Africa are often afraid to file a complaint. Often the laws are not adapted to protect them.
They do exist, of course, but there remains a legal vacuum on certain questions, in particular cyber-harassment of women (photo extortion, remote surveillance, etc.). However, the threats are well described, known to political decision-makers. This awareness has not yet reached the level of legislation, in terms of remedies, specific sanctions, for example.
Maxime Da confirms: “We often have cases of withdrawal of complaints from women. They are afraid of being stigmatized. This is a serious problem, especially with regard to everything related to intimacy, sexuality. Women are afraid of the reaction of loved ones. This is a limitation of the legislation which must adapt to this question, for example by seeking the help of psychologists.”
For their part, the platforms are trying to react. For example, the MedAfrica site collects testimonies on what can hinder the good health of populations. Young women can open up to their problems, their difficulties, cyber harassment is one of them.
Reference: https://ncdrc.res.in/cap.php
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