By Neema Mujesia,
As part of our continued engagement in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, KICTANet joined partners for an in-person dialogue exploring how technology and innovation can tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) both online and offline.
Convened on 27th November, 2025, in collaboration with Tech For Nonprofits, The Shield Maidens, SafeOnline Women Kenya (SOW-Kenya), and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Sub-Saharan Africa, the event highlighted the growing intersections between digital spaces, event documentation, and personal safety.
The dialogue brought together more than 40 participants, including event organisers, photographers, digital storytellers, gender-rights advocates, and students, to reflect on the urgent need for safer, more inclusive online environments.
The forum featured three distinguished speakers who unpacked critical issues surrounding digital safety, gender inclusion, innovation, and rights.
a.) Online Gender-Based Violence & Digital Safety
Annah shed light on rising cases of doxxing, cyberstalking, and non-consensual imagery, explaining how these digital harms disproportionately affect women and marginalised groups. She underscored the need for survivor-centred redress mechanisms and stronger collaboration among policymakers, innovators, and civil society to build safer online ecosystems.
b.) Myths & Realities of Tech and SGBV
Neema challenged the misconception that online violence is “less serious,” emphasising that digital harm often amplifies offline trauma. She called for a coordinated digital safety ecosystem, bringing together government, survivor advocates, tech innovators, educators, and underrepresented community voices. Her insights highlighted the importance of sustained awareness, communication, and digital literacy.
C). Innovation, Sustainability & Scaling Local Solutions
Kwoba addressed the sustainability and funding challenges limiting African digital solutions. He called for deeper investment, better procurement systems, and partnerships that enable local innovations to scale. Looking ahead, he pointed to emerging opportunities for tools and platforms that can strengthen digital accountability and help prevent or respond to SGBV.
KICTANet’s Call to Action
KICTANet calls on all stakeholders from government and innovators to creatives and community leaders — to champion privacy, consent, and digital safety in every digital interaction. By embedding ethical practices in storytelling, event documentation, and technology use, we can create online spaces where people feel safe, respected, and empowered.As Neema Masitsa emphasised:
“Digital spaces should be places of empowerment, not fear. As we continue to document, track, and advocate against online and offline SGBV, we remain committed to amplifying survivor voices and driving accountability.”