On 12th March 2023, Women of Impact Rwanda brought together a powerful group of leaders and advocates for a crucial conversation about online safety, mental health, and the empowerment of women and girls in the digital space. The event, themed "Making the Internet Safe for Women and Girls," shed light on the increasing challenges women face online, with a specific focus on online harassment and its damaging effects on mental well-being.
Shafiga Murebwayire, Division Manager and Coordinator of Isange One Stop Centres, a pioneering institution supporting victims of violence in Rwanda. addressed the critical issue of online harassment and shared vital information on how individuals can report incidents of digital abuse. She encouraged everyone, especially women, to use available resources and legal frameworks to protect themselves from harmful online behaviors. "Online harassment is not just a nuisance, it's a violation of our rights," Shafiga explained. "And there are systems in place to help women and girls reclaim their safety and dignity."
The panel discussion, featuring a diverse range of voices, included prominent women journalists and social media influencers who courageously shared their personal experiences with online harassment. These women spoke candidly about the challenges they face daily, from cyberbullying and how these digital attacks lead to burnout or even quitting social media altogether.
Natasha Umutoni, Founder of Women at Web, an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for women’s rights in the digital world in Rwanda , spoke about the need for advocacy campaigns to address the pervasive issue of cyberbullying and its devastating impact on women’s mental health.
"We need to come together as a society to demand better protections for women and girls online," Natasha said. She emphasized the need for more online protection policies and greater representation of women in tech and digital policy-making spaces, to ensure that women’s voices are heard in the creation of online safety laws and regulations. Call to Action: A Safer Internet for All Standing up against online harassment, supporting advocacy efforts, and ensuring that women’s voices are amplified rather than silenced by negativity.
