By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha has raised alarm over the growing link between digital technology and new forms of gender-based violence affecting women and girls across Malawi.
She made the remarks during a press briefing held to mark the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Navicha said digital platforms have created new spaces where abuse, harassment and exploitation are rising at an alarming rate.
She emphasized that harmful online behaviour now demands urgent and coordinated action from government, communities and technology stakeholders.
The minister noted that one in three women experiences gender-based violence in their lifetime, stressing that the internet has become a major contributor to the rising cases.
She said this year’s campaign theme, “Unite to End Digital GBV,” reflects the need to confront and eliminate the violence that is increasingly taking place in online spaces.
According to Navicha, digital GBV includes cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online stalking and technology-facilitated harassment.
She warned that such forms of abuse not only traumatize victims emotionally but also threaten their safety, participation and visibility in digital spaces.
UN Women deputy country representative Fatima Muhammad reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the ministry in addressing gender-based violence.
She highlighted the importance of ensuring that perpetrators of digital and physical violence are held accountable through strengthened laws and enforcement mechanisms.
Muhammad praised the Malawi Government for improving policies and strategies aimed at tackling GBV in all its forms.
She stressed that violence against women and girls violates fundamental human rights, undermines dignity and slows national progress.
She further urged all sectors to work together to protect women and girls, both online and offline, so they can participate fully and safely in Malawi’s digital transformation.
Navicha concluded by calling on Malawians to actively join the 16-day campaign and support survivors while challenging harmful behaviours in their communities and on digital platforms.
The launch event set the tone for nationwide activities aimed at raising awareness, promoting accountability and strengthening protection of women and girls from all forms of gender-based violence.
