As technology evolves; communication, cultures and stories too, take shape as information sources change.
Today, internet, has become one of the sources of connection and opportunity, but with great challenges and shortcomings, and one of them, becoming a breeding ground for Online Gender Based Violence (OGBV) not only in Uganda but a global trend
A report by Policy Studies of (2022) claimed that approximately 42% of Ugandan women surveyed experienced online sexual harassment.
They further claim that, women also face offensive name-calling at a rate approximately 24%, cyber-stalking at 17%, cyber-bullying, and the weaponize of private nude photos.
A UN Women report titled ‘Cyber-violence against Women and Girls: A World-wide wake-up call’ says that women are 27 times more likely than men to be harassed online.
The public tends to downplay violence against women online and the authorities do not always take action against perpetrators, and the situation is often made worse by victim blaming.
When it happens, it is not clear what protection or support victims can get from the legal system or society. These acts perpetuate existing societal inequalities and silences women’s voices.
Social media platforms designed for expression and connection, are transformed into hostile spaces, forcing women to self-censor and limit their digital participation.
Let Me Be is a multimedia campaign aimed at raising awareness and sparking conversation about online gender-based violence (OGBV) in Uganda.
It targets young Ugandan women between 15-35 who are highly active online. The campaign utilizes the power of storytelling through video interviews with prominent Ugandan women who have faced harassment online.
A one Kirabo Tracy alias Pia pounds said that due to the online harassment, she was almost forced to resort to using drugs, by God’s Grace she survived and later learnt how to handle the challenge.
By Teangel Teddy Nabukeera – #LetMeBe Campaign Champion.