On August 16, 2025, an important side event addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) was held on the sidelines of the 7th Southern Africa Youth Forum in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Co-hosted by Equality Now and the Alliance for Universal Digital Rights (AuDRI), in partnership with the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), the gathering brought together a diverse mix of civil society actors, youth policymakers, government representatives, AU, SADC officials, and digital rights advocates. Discussions centered on the critical intersection of digital rights for women and girls and the urgent need for legal reforms to combat TFGBV, particularly focusing on online sexual exploitation and abuse.
The event highlighted pressing issues regarding the erosion of digital rights among women and marginalized communities in Southern Africa. Young leaders and participants from various countries shared their experiences and insights, noting that women and girls from the Global Majority are disproportionately vulnerable to biases in AI datasets, the effects of climate change exacerbated by ICT infrastructure, and a widening digital gender divide stemming from inaccessible emerging technologies.
In light of these concerns, attendees called on SADC member states to recognize the unique vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in the region. They emphasized the necessity of integrating feminist digital principles into all aspects of digital rights and governance. This integration is vital for creating an open, secure, and free digital space, significantly mitigating TFGBV and fostering equitable participation for women and girls. Key recommendations included closing the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to technology and the internet, protecting rights and safety online through robust legal frameworks, promoting inclusion and leadership for women and marginalized groups in digital governance, upholding fundamental digital rights, and advancing sustainable digital economies that foster equity and development.
To maintain the momentum from this event, Equality Now, AuDRI, and SAYOF are set to convene an online webinar aimed at sustaining advocacy efforts. This webinar, planned to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, will provide a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to reflect on the current TFGBV landscape in Southern Africa, evaluate existing progress, and explore avenues for accelerating the domestication of the SADC Model Law on GBV. The call for legal reform is pivotal; by collectively consolidating a declaration of commitment post-webinar, stakeholders aim to chart a roadmap that addresses legal reforms in the region for the period from 2026-2030. This roadmap aspires to create a safer digital environment and reinforce the legal frameworks essential for protecting vulnerable populations.
The critical discussions held during the side event at the 7th Southern Africa Youth Forum highlight an urgent need for action and collaboration among SADC member states to combat TFGBV and promote digital rights. As digital transformation reshapes economies and societies, it is imperative to amplify the voices of women and marginalized groups and integrate them into the governance of these digital landscapes. The path forward lies in a collective commitment to legal reform, equitable access, and ensuring that everyone can navigate the digital world free from violence and discrimination.
