16 Days of Activism: Stand Against Digital Violence Towards Women & Girls
16 Days of Activism: Stand Against Digital Violence Towards Women & Girls
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) launches its 16 Days of Activism campaign under the national theme “Uniting to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” With online platforms increasingly becoming spaces where harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, and targeted intimidation occur, the national theme urges to address urgent awareness, stronger protection, and better support for survivors.
Digital Violence is not limited to the virtual world - it spills into everyday life and has a profound impact on Mental Wellbeing. With GBV officially declared a national disaster in South Africa, the rise of online abuse adds another urgent layer to an already devastating crisis.
Clinical Psychologist, Marita Rademeyer shared that,
"Beyond psychological harm, long term effects can include Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, reproductive health problems and even chronic physical illness later in life."
Many women and girls never report Digital Abuse due to shame, fear of retaliation, or not knowing where to seek help. SADAG Call Centre Manager, Tracy Feinstein says,
"By encouraging conversations in families, schools, workplaces and communities, SADAG aims to reduce isolation, strengthen support systems, and ensure that survivors know they are not alone and that trustworthy help is within reach."
This year we're calling on South Africans not only to raise awareness, but to take action - whether by reporting harmful content, supporting survivors in their circles, challenging harmful online behaviour, or sharing resources that can help someone in need.
Dr Shaheda Omar, Clinical Director of The Teddy Bear Foundation says,
“The 16 Days of Activism should be a 365-day commitment because violence does not pause on day 17. 16 Days reminds us. 365 Days changes us.”
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