UNODC Campaigns Against Cyberviolence Against Women and Girls in South Africa

Opret Advice Office, Mokopane, Limpopo

South Africa, January 2024 – In a concerted effort to address the pervasive issue of Cyberviolence Against Women and Girls (CVAWG) in South Africa, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Southern Africa (UNODC ROSAF) adopted a strategic initiative to disseminate informational posters across eight of the country’s nine provinces. These posters, meticulously designed to delineate the myths, statistics, and root causes of CVAWG, served as crucial tools in raising awareness and visibility on this pressing societal issue.

Dr. Linda Naidoo, the Programme Manager of the Gender-Based Violence at UNODC ROSAF, reaffirmed the importance of a synchronized approach in eradicating CVAWG.

“As a society, we must confront the prevalence of cyberviolence against women and girls. It’s imperative that we take proactive steps to educate and empower our people to combat this issue. Through education and advocacy, we can work towards a future where cyberspace is free from harassment, violence, and abuse.”

According to UN estimates, 95 percent of aggressive behavior, harassment, abusive language, and denigrating images in online spaces are aimed at women and girls.[1] The resounding feedback from community members and organizations underscored the efficacy of posters in disseminating important information and catalyzing discourse surrounding CVAWG. Their informative content and striking visuals were instrumental in sparking conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of the inherent complexities of cyber violence.

Notably, the distribution of 100 posters exemplified the potency of multi-sectoral partnerships in effecting meaningful change. Collaborating with key stakeholders such as police stations, the Department of Social Development, Thuthuzela Centres, Victim Empowerment Centres, Rehabilitation Centres, Lifeline, Opret offices, Men for Change, and others – underscored a united front against CVAWG. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of various sectors, this initiative showcased a holistic approach to tackling gender-based violence, reaffirming the commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls across South Africa.

Stop CVAWG poster at the Department of Social Development in Moloto, Mpumalanga

[1] World Bank Report. (2023). Protecting Women and Girls from Cyber Harassment: A Global Assessment of Existing Laws. Available at: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099456506262310384/pdf/IDU0c7c3a5a70b56a04b250a31b0b32b8f5cd856.pdf

United Nations

UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa

UNODC Campaigns Against Cyberviolence Against Women and Girls in South Africa