16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign launched with a call to end Digital GBV

We partnered with the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare to launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign in Traditional Authority Matola, Balaka on November 25.

The 16 Days of Activism is a global annual campaign aimed at raising awareness, inspiring action, and advocating for an end to all forms of gender-based violence.

The campaign begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs until December 10, which is also the International Human Rights Day.

Minister of Gender, Mary Navicha, graced the occasion at a colourful event held under the theme: “Unite to End Digital Gender-Based Violence in Malawi.”

In her speech as NGO Gender Coordination Network Chairperson, WOLREC Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda stressed that the fight against gender-based violence remains a shared national responsibility that requires collective effort from all sectors.

She noted that Malawi is witnessing a growing wave of violence perpetrated through modern technologies such as social media, disproportionately affecting women and girls.

“Out of every 100 women, 73 experience some form of digital violence. This is unacceptable. We must ensure that our digital spaces become platforms for empowerment, not tools for abuse.

“Protecting women and girls is not the responsibility of one institution — it is the duty of all of us, government, traditional leaders, civil society, communities, and the media," she challenged.

She further encouraged survivors of violence to speak out and seek help rather than suffer in silence.

“No one should endure abuse alone. Report cases to the relevant authorities. Perpetrators of violence—whether online or offline—must face strict and appropriate punishment. Accountability is key to ending impunity," she stressed.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, emphasized the significance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, describing it as a critical period for collective reflection and action.

She noted: “Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally and Malawi is no exception.”

The Minister lamented the growing challenge of online abuse, stating that with the rapid rise of social media, more women and girls are experiencing violence in digital spaces.

“I am calling upon key players in the digital sector such as, MACRA, Airtel and TNM, to strengthen measures that protect the public from fake information, defamation and other forms of online harm, especially in an era marked by the spread of AI-generated content and misinformation. Please protect us," she said.

She further commended NGOs for their steadfast commitment to advancing women’s rights and fighting GBV, expressing confidence that “together, we will win this fight.”

However, Navicha cautioned women to be vigilant about their online safety, advising against sharing sensitive images even with intimate partners. She stressed that those found circulating or misusing such content will face strict consequences under the law.