Article: Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Tanzania: A Growing Digital Threat
Introduction
In the digital era, the rapid growth and integration of technology into everyday life have brought significant social, political, and economic opportunities. However, this transformation has also introduced new forms of gender-based violence, known as Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). In Tanzania, the rise of digital platforms and increased internet penetration have created new arenas where women and marginalized communities are targeted with abuse, harassment, and disinformation. Despite growing awareness of TFGBV, there is limited legal and institutional protection, and survivors often face stigma, lack of redress mechanisms, and digital exclusion.
Zaina Foundation, a Tanzanian-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting digital rights and inclusion, has been at the forefront of combating TFGBV. Through its leadership in the Digital Rights Coalition and collaboration with national and international partners, Zaina Foundation continues to raise awareness, provide capacity building, and advocate for stronger legal frameworks to address this digital threat.
Understanding Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
TFGBV refers to acts of gender-based violence that are committed, abetted, or aggravated by the use of digital technologies such as mobile phones, internet platforms, social media, surveillance tools, and artificial intelligence. These acts include but are not limited to:
- Online harassment and trolling
- Cyberstalking
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images (“revenge porn”)
- Doxxing (publishing private or identifying information without consent)
- Deepfake pornography
- Online threats and blackmail
- Hate speech and disinformation campaigns targeting women
In Tanzania, these violations are often directed at women in public life, including journalists, politicians, human rights defenders, and activists. The intent is frequently to silence, shame, and exclude women from digital spaces and decision-making arenas.
TFGBV in the Tanzanian Context
Tanzania has seen a surge in internet users over the past decade, especially among the youth and women. While this increase in access has opened new channels for expression and participation, it has also resulted in heightened risks for online abuse, particularly for women. Many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, or mistrust in law enforcement.
During election periods, the prevalence of TFGBV spikes significantly. Female political candidates and journalists are often subjected to targeted disinformation, manipulated images, and coordinated online attacks designed to undermine their credibility and discourage their participation. The 2020 general elections, for example, saw several women publicly humiliated through fake scandals circulated on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
Furthermore, the lack of digital literacy and cyber hygiene education, particularly among rural and low-income women, exacerbates their vulnerability to TFGBV. Many are unaware of how to protect their privacy online or where to seek help when targeted.
The Role of Zaina Foundation and the Digital Rights Coalition
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