What is Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV)?

Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) refers to harmful actions carried out using digital platforms that target individuals—mainly women and girls—because of their gender. OGBV includes harassment, threats, and abuse that take place through social media, messaging apps, emails, and other digital spaces.

OGBV is also broadly categorized under Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) because it is enabled by digital tools such as mobile phones, social media, and other internet-based communication platforms. According to the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), TFGBV affects women disproportionately and limits their ability to freely express themselves, access online opportunities, and participate in digital spaces.

A 2021 WOUGNET study on “Assessing the Types, Spread, and the Impact of Online Gender-Based Violence in Uganda” found that 88% of respondents had experienced or witnessed OGBV. Many women reported withdrawing from online spaces due to cyber harassment, which directly affects their personal and professional lives.

Forms of OGBV in Uganda

OGBV manifests in various ways, many of which have been documented in WOUGNET’s reports:

1. Cyber Harassment

This includes repeated or aggressive online behaviour meant to intimidate, humiliate, or threaten someone.

Example: A female journalist posts an investigative report online and suddenly receives hateful messages and threats from anonymous accounts.

2. Doxxing (Sharing Personal Information Without Consent)

Doxxing happens when someone publishes a person’s private details—such as phone numbers, home addresses, or workplace locations—putting them at risk of physical harm.

Example: A young female activist speaks up about gender rights on Twitter, and someone posts her home address, leading to security threats.

3. Non-Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images (Revenge Porn)

This occurs when someone shares another person’s private, often intimate, photos or videos online without their permission. A WOUGNET 2021 report highlighted that the non-consensual distribution of intimate images has become a common method of online abuse, particularly targeting women who are active in public spaces.

Example: A university student finds her private photos shared on WhatsApp groups after refusing a man’s advances.

4. Online Stalking

This involves excessive, unwanted monitoring of someone’s online activities, often escalating into real-world threats.

Example: A woman blocks a man on Facebook, but he creates multiple fake accounts to keep messaging her.

5. Deepfake and Image Manipulation

This occurs when a person’s images or videos are altered using technology to misrepresent them.

Example: A female politician is targeted with a deepfake video showing her saying things she never actually said, damaging her reputation.

6. Online Blackmail & Sextortion

This is when perpetrators threaten to release sensitive or embarrassing information unless the victim complies with their demands.

Example: A scammer demands money from a woman, threatening to share fake nude photos of her on social media.

Impact of OGBV

1. Impact on Victims & Survivors

• Emotional and Psychological Trauma – Many victims of OGBV experience stress, anxiety, and depression. A WOUGNET 2021 study found that 67% of women who faced online harassment suffered from mental health issues.

• Social Isolation – Fear of online abuse discourages women from participating in discussions, networking, or expressing themselves.
• Loss of Opportunities – Women withdraw from professional and leadership opportunities due to fear of digital attacks.

2. Impact on the Country

• Threat to Freedom of Expression – A WOUGNET study on Women and Digital Rights in Uganda (2022) found that OGBV silences women, reducing their participation in online civic and political discussions.
• Reduced Political Participation – Online harassment discourages women from engaging in governance and advocacy.

3. Impact on the Economy

• Loss of Productivity – Many women entrepreneurs avoid online platforms due to cyber threats, affecting digital business growth.
• Harm to Digital Development – The Uganda Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard (2021) highlights that women’s participation in digital spaces is crucial for economic progress, but OGBV discourages their engagement.

Conclusion

Online Gender-Based Violence is a major issue affecting women and girls in Uganda. Reports from WOUGNET and other digital rights organizations confirm that OGBV silences women, limits their opportunities, and negatively impacts Uganda’s digital economy. Addressing OGBV requires stronger legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and awareness campaigns to create safer online spaces.

If you or someone you know is experiencing OGBV, report it, seek support, and join the fight for a safer digital environment.