Urgent action needed to prevent surge in digital violence in Africa, experts say

The Guardian World News
by Sarah Johnson
March 30, 2026
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Online violence against women and girls in Africa is surging as internet access expands, particularly among youth under 30.

AI Summary

African activists and lawyers are calling for urgent action to combat a surge in digital violence against women, girls, and boys across the continent. A dramatic expansion in internet users, particularly among people under 30, has created new avenues for online harassment, exploitation, and control that activists say have devastating real-world consequences. The proliferation of digital platforms has given perpetrators expanded tools to silence and intimidate vulnerable populations while amplifying gendered violence at scale. Experts warn that without policy intervention and legal protections, the trend will continue to accelerate as internet penetration deepens across Africa's young, growing population.

What's Being Done

Activists and lawyers in Africa are calling for urgent action to protect women, girls, and boys from digital violence.

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