Council of Churches raises the alarm over reported rise of digital violence targeting women, girls

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has raised concern over the increasing misuse of digital platforms to inflict emotional pain and harm through inconsiderate remarks, demeaning comments, and inappropriate memes targeting women and girls.

CCZ General Secretary, Father Emmanuel Chikoya, said that while technology had positively transformed communication and social interaction, it has also created new avenues for digital violence against women and girls.

He made the remarks in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), commemorated under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

Chikoya reaffirmed CCZ’s commitment to combating GBV and urged victims to report cases to relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.

“We therefore call for the responsible and ethical use of digital platforms. Each one of us must take personal responsibility and become an ambassador of peace, dignity, and love in both physical and digital spaces,” he said.

He noted that as the country also commemorated Human Rights Day today, it was vital to remember that “one person’s rights end where another person’s rights begin.”

Chikoya added that the CCZ continues to support government efforts through its Gender and Health Desk by providing sensitisation and intervention programmes aimed at empowering women and girls and reducing their vulnerability.

“We strongly believe that it is difficult to abuse an economically empowered woman or girl, because economic independence strengthens one’s ability to stand firm and speak out,” he said.

He further called on authorities to ensure timely and deterrent action against perpetrators of digital and offline violence.

“As Scripture teaches in Proverbs 31:8–9: ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of the poor and needy,’” he added.

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