A decade ago, a horrific incident involving a 16-year-old student deeply moved the people of Chad. After being kidnapped and subjected to a collective assault, the victim faced further trauma when her attackers shared videos of the crime across social platforms. Today, digital violence remains a persistent weapon used to target and intimidate women throughout the country.
In the current digital landscape of Chad, a simple social media post can trigger a wave of abuse. Human rights defenders are frequently in the crosshairs of these attacks. Epiphanie Dionrang, who serves as the president of the Chadian League for Women’s Rights, has personally endured this digital backlash due to her public advocacy. She highlights the urgent need for better prevention and stronger mechanisms to combat online aggression.
The reality of digital violence
For many women in Chad, online engagement comes with the risk of severe harassment. This violence manifests in various ways, ranging from sexist remarks and hate speech to direct threats and intimidating phone calls. Activists like Epiphanie Dionrang argue that these attacks are a direct extension of the gender-based violence women face in physical society.
The consequences of such harassment are devastating. Victims often experience intense psychological distress, including chronic stress, anxiety, and a profound loss of self-esteem. In many instances, the humiliation leads to social isolation, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. To protect themselves, many women are forced into self-censorship, withdrawing from public discourse and civic life to avoid further targeting.
A search for accountability
Identifying the perpetrators of cyberharassment remains a significant challenge. While some attackers are known to the victims, many hide behind anonymous profiles or are former acquaintances. To build a case, it is essential to document every interaction—saving screenshots of comments, recording dates, and tracking the digital footprints of those responsible.
However, the path to justice in Chad is fraught with obstacles. Despite the existence of a national computer security agency and a specialized unit for fighting cybercrime, the legal response is often viewed as inadequate. There is currently no specific digital legal code to address these modern crimes effectively. Victims frequently feel unprotected, fearing that reporting the abuse will lead to no concrete action or further exposure.
Breaking the cycle of silence
Cultural initiatives are beginning to challenge the status quo. The documentary “Harcèlement 2.0,” created by Chadian filmmaker Aché Ahmat Moustapha, aims to dismantle the taboos surrounding online violence. By sharing the stories of resilient women across the continent, the film encourages victims to speak out and seek support.
Creating safe environments where women can be heard without judgment is vital. All too often, the public tends to blame the victim rather than the harasser. Advocacy efforts are focusing on shifting this perspective, emphasizing that the burden of shame should lie with the perpetrators. While the conversation is expanding in Chad and beyond, the goal remains to transform this awareness into tangible protection and legal reform for all women navigating the digital world.
