SOSSI MAY: Importance Of Safe Spaces For Women In A Digital World

As a digital community manager, I am acutely aware of the need for safe online spaces for women to thrive.

The internet can be a powerful tool for women to connect, share ideas, and build communities, but it can also be a breeding ground for harassment and abuse.

That's why this year's International Women's Day theme of "Embrace Equity" is so important. It reminds us that creating a more inclusive and equitable society means ensuring that women have a safe and supportive environment to express themselves online.

Portraits of Soila Mayiani. /VIRALTEAKE

Unfortunately, women often face harassment and abuse online simply for daring to express their opinions or take up space in a male-dominated digital world. This can have a chilling effect on their ability to participate fully in online communities and can even drive them away from social media altogether.

As digital community managers, it's our responsibility to create and maintain online spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all.

Sexual harassment is a significant problem for women in the digital world in Kenya. According to a 2019 report by Plan International, 60 per cent of girls in Kenya have experienced some form of sexual harassment online.

The report also found that girls between the ages of 15 and 19 were particularly vulnerable to online sexual harassment, with 54 per cent reporting that they had received sexual comments or messages online.

Furthermore, a 2020 survey conducted by Women at Web found that 42 per cent of women in Kenya have experienced cyber harassment, which includes cyberstalking, online abuse, and unwanted sexual advances.

The study also revealed that women in Kenya often face barriers in reporting online harassment, with only 9 per cnet of respondents reporting the harassment they experienced to the police.

These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for safe online spaces for women in Kenya to thrive. Women should not have to fear for their safety or well-being when they use the internet.

As digital community managers, we have a responsibility to create and maintain safe and inclusive online communities where everyone, regardless of their gender, can participate freely and without fear of harassment or abuse.

To do this, we need to be proactive in addressing harassment and abuse. This means setting clear community guidelines and enforcing them consistently.

It means taking reports of harassment seriously and responding promptly and compassionately. It also means creating a culture of respect and empathy within our communities, where differences of opinion are celebrated rather than attacked.

But creating safe online spaces for women is about more than just preventing harassment and abuse. It's also about empowering women to share their unique gifts and talents with the world.

When women feel supported and respected online, they are more likely to share their ideas, build meaningful connections, and contribute to the digital world in meaningful ways.

This International Women's Day, let's commit to creating safe and inclusive online spaces for women to thrive. Let's embrace equity by recognizing and celebrating the unique gifts and talents that women bring to the table. And let's work together to build a more equitable and just digital world for all.

Soila Mayiani (Sossi May) is the Assistant Digital Lead at Trace Eastern Africa

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A screenshot regarding infographics on harassment online amongst girls. /PLAN INTERNATIONAL