HARNESSING DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO COMBAT GBV: A CALL FOR ACTION AT THE 4TH SHELTER INDABA

Precious Mupenzi

• The 4th Shelter Indaba in Sandton highlights digital activism as a crucial strategy in addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), showcasing the online environment as both a risk and an opportunity for advocacy and social change.
• Ms. Olivia Niyodusenga from the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC) underscored the power of digital platforms in raising awareness, mobilising support, and driving conversations around GBVF, particularly through social media channels like Twitter and TikTok.
• CABC offers free digital activism training for non-profit organisations, empowering them to effectively engage audiences, create impactful campaigns, and utilise data analytics to counter misinformation and enhance their outreach.

As the 4th Shelter Indaba in Sandton concludes today, the call to action has positioned digital activism as a central tool for addressing gender-based violence, demonstrating that the online world offers not only risks but also powerful opportunities for advocacy and social transformation. A key discussion highlighted the vital role of digital platforms in combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Delivered by Ms. Olivia Niyodusenga from the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC), the session emphasised the growing influence of digital tools in tackling GBVF while providing practical solutions for organisations to effectively leverage these platforms. The importance of this dialogue cannot be overstated, as it equips stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to mobilise support and drive change in the fight against GBVF.

Ms. Niyodusenga emphasised the transformative power of digital spaces, stating, “Digital is the new currency. The online space offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness, mobilise support, and advocate for change in the fight against gender-based violence.” She highlighted how platforms such as Twitter and TikTok have been instrumental in amplifying messages about GBV, noting that these social networks enable real-time dissemination of information and help stimulate communities around pressing social issues. “We have seen how viral hashtags and videos have drawn attention to GBV cases, prompting public conversations and forcing authorities to act,” Niyodusenga explained.

Beyond raising awareness, these platforms allow survivors to share their stories and build supportive communities. Niyodusenga pointed out that the digital world not only creates a platform for advocacy but also provides spaces for solidarity and healing.

Encouraging non-profit organisations to take advantage of available resources, she stressed that digital activism training, offered by CABC, is free and fully funded. This training empowers organisations to navigate the online space, create impactful campaigns, and engage with audiences more effectively. “This training is an invaluable resource for NPOs working in the GBV space. It equips them with the skills to engage with online audiences, create meaningful content, and foster community support,” Niyodusenga added.

She also elaborated on CABC’s interventions, which use data and analytics to track digital trends and counter misinformation, ensuring that GBVF messaging reaches the right audiences. Her message to delegates was clear: by mastering the digital space, organisations can amplify their impact and contribute to lasting change in the fight against GBV.