The National Youth Symposium: Addressing Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Uganda by FIDA.
On August 8th, 2024, we had the privilege of attending the National Youth Symposium organized by the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA Uganda) at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. The event under the theme; Demystifying Technology Facilitated Gender-Based violence brought together a diverse group of young people, civil society organizations, lawmakers, experts, and leaders for an inter-generational discussion on Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), a growing challenge in Uganda’s digital landscape.
The symposium commenced with an address by Joy Kirungi, an Advocate at FIDA Uganda, who underscored the urgent need for action. She stated, “As we celebrate our achievements and look to the future, we must acknowledge the evolving landscape in which we operate. We are living in the digital age, a time of unprecedented technological advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and beyond. These innovations hold great promise, but as the saying goes, ‘every good thing has its downside.”
Swedish Ambassador Maria Håkansson officially opened the symposium, expressing her appreciation for FIDA Uganda’s efforts in highlighting the issue of Tech-Facilitated GBV. In her remarks, she stated, “You are the leaders and change-makers, and you give us hope in fighting these issues. Let us continue to empower, educate, and elevate the voices of women and girls for a brighter future for all.”
The keynote speaker, Mr. Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, addressed the growing use of technology and how it has introduced new avenues for harming women and girls online. He remarked, “The use of technology has revolutionized communication; however, it has also introduced avenues for harm, particularly targeting women and girls. This includes the non-consensual sharing of intimate materials, which is a violation of human rights. The Government of Uganda is committed to addressing the threat of online violence while fostering a zero-tolerance attitude to eliminate impunity. The government has an obligation to respect and promote women’s rights.”
The panel discussions that followed delved into the legal gaps in combating TFGBV and protecting online users from such violence. Panelists highlighted the inadequacies and limitations of current laws, such as the Computer Misuse Act 2023, which includes provisions for hate speech, cyber harassment, and offensive communication. However, these provisions do not pass the constitutional test, making it challenging to hold perpetrators accountable, especially given the rapidly evolving nature of digital violence.
The symposium also explored recommendations and strategies for combating TFGBV. Among the solutions discussed were the need for digital literacy programs, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and the creation of safe reporting mechanisms for victims. A youth representative shared, “Empowering young people with the knowledge and resources to navigate the digital space safely is crucial. We must also ensure that when violence occurs, victims have accessible and supportive avenues to seek justice.”
The National Youth Symposium on Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence concluded with a significant step forward in the fight against digital violence in Uganda. By fostering inter-generational dialogue and collaboration, the symposium not only raised awareness of the issue but also laid the groundwork for future advocacy and action. As Uganda continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the insights and strategies shared at this event will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country’s approach to TFGBV.