The Zimbabwe Gender Commission has raised alarm over the growing wave of online abuse targeting women and girls, warning that digital violence is quickly matching the severity of physical gender-based violence.
Chief Executive Officer Virginia Muwanigwa said this year’s 16 Days of Activism comes at a critical time, as harmful behaviour online continues to undermine survivors, communities, and democratic participation.
Muwanigwa noted a sharp increase in cyberstalking, body shaming, impersonation, revenge pornography, and misogynistic attacks, saying these violations now affect women across different spaces, including public figures, students, activists, and ordinary community members. She said these forms of abuse erode dignity, silence voices, and threaten women’s full participation in public life.
She emphasised that constitutional protections must be upheld both offline and online, noting that digital violence directly violates rights enshrined under Sections 51, 52, 56, 61 and 80 of the Constitution. Muwanigwa added that the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act already criminalises cyberbullying, unlawful data collection, and digital threats, but stressed the need for stronger enforcement.
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The ZGC called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to strengthen cybercrime investigations and improve coordination with stakeholders. It also urged POTRAZ and internet service providers to implement more responsive reporting mechanisms and safeguards for victims.
“Online platforms must have effective systems that protect women and girls,” Muwanigwa said, encouraging schools and universities to expand digital literacy and safety programmes.
She further called on civil society, media organisations, and content creators to promote responsible online conduct and ethical digital engagement. Muwanigwa said digital spaces must never be used for intimidation, exploitation or harm, adding that citizens should use online platforms with respect, empathy and accountability.
She reaffirmed that the Commission remains committed to defending the rights of women and girls across physical and digital spaces. Ending digital violence, she said, is essential to building an inclusive and gender-equal society.
“We must build a future where technology empowers rather than harms,” she said.
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