In Senegal, a silent epidemic is spreading across digital spaces, disproportionately targeting women. New research reveals that over 60% of Senegalese women have fallen victim to gendered disinformation campaigns designed to undermine their credibility by attacking their bodies, sexuality, and private lives rather than their ideas or professional work.
This disturbing trend, highlighted in a recent study, shows that while men are often subjected to false information about political or economic matters, women—especially those in public roles—face a different kind of smear campaign. These attacks focus on their morality, personal relationships, and perceived impropriety, with the clear intent to silence them.
how gendered disinformation works in Senegal
One of the most alarming tactics used in Senegal is what local women describe as the “72-hour phenomenon.” During this period, public figures—such as journalists, activists, or female politicians—are subjected to coordinated online harassment. Their personal lives are dissected, distorted, and weaponized through fabricated images, misleading narratives, and deepfake content. The goal is not to engage in debate but to discredit, humiliate, and push them out of digital spaces entirely.
Women in leadership roles often face accusations of gaining their positions through sexual favors with party officials. Journalists are branded as foreign agents paid by Western governments, while activists are labeled as Western-funded operatives. The pattern is clear: attack the person, not the argument. By undermining their legitimacy, the perpetrators aim to erase their voices from public discourse.
who is behind these attacks?
The study found that the majority of perpetrators are men aged 17 to 45, often from the same country as their targets. While most offenders are male, some women also participate in these campaigns, acting as what researchers call “patriarchal women”—individuals who internalize and perpetuate oppressive gender norms. These actors exploit social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where content in local languages such as Wolof is frequently published but rarely monitored or removed due to a lack of moderation tools.
Sadia Mandjo, the journalist and researcher behind the report, points out a critical flaw: “Platforms are designed in the West and lack the tools to detect and remove harmful content in African languages. This creates a blind spot that allows gendered disinformation to thrive.”
real-world consequences of digital violence
The impact of these campaigns extends far beyond the screen. Many women, fearing further harassment or reputational damage, are choosing to self-censor or withdraw from online platforms altogether. “Leaving digital spaces isn’t just about losing visibility—it’s about being erased from public life,” warns Mandjo. The most affected groups include politicians, journalists, feminist activists, public figures, influencers, and artists—women who dare to claim their place in society.
what needs to be done to stop it
The report calls on governments in Senegal and neighboring countries to officially recognize gendered online violence as a form of gender-based violence. This would enable the creation of specific laws, training for law enforcement to handle such complaints, and the development of digital literacy and fact-checking programs. It’s not just about punishing perpetrators—it’s about dismantling a system that allows misogynistic narratives to spread unchecked.
“This isn’t an isolated issue,” says Mandjo. “It’s the same violence women face in their homes and on the streets—just translated into the digital world.” Until platforms, governments, and communities take coordinated action, women in Senegal will continue to pay the price for simply existing in public life.”
