THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, has called upon the public to commit to ending the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the digital space.
Phiri said the digital space is populated by "sick cowards with time on their hands," whose sole aim is to violate and abuse others, especially women and girls.
He was speaking at the Inter-Generational Dialogue Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for Women and Girls in Kitwe, a pre-event before the official commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism under the theme "Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls."
Phiri said the cloak of anonymity that makes it difficult to identify these "sick cowards" has aided the perpetration of digital violence.
"We need to innovate and adapt our laws to deal with this facility of anonymity, which is a useful tool for abusers, in order to eradicate it and ultimately reduce digital violence."
"In tackling Gender-Based Violence and empowering women and girls, there is need for sustained engagement with them, in order to build a critical mass of empowered adolescent girls and young women who are able to say no to violence in all its forms," he said.
He added that women and girls should not allow anyone to abuse them, whether online or in person.
Speaking at the same event, Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika said there is a growing threat for women and girls online due to increased abuse, exploitation, and bullying.
Kabika said government continues to prioritize women's leadership, gender
equality, and the prevention of all forms of GBV.
"The Gender Division remains committed to strengthening programmes and policies that support adolescent girls and young women, including the expansion of digital safety initiatives," she said.
Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Africa Trust (SAT) Country Director, Lenganji Nanyangwe, said girls should not allow themselves to be bullied online, and that they should believe in themselves and not allow any man to take advantage of them.
Nanyangwe said girls are mostly vulnerable, especially if they cannot defend themselves or are not true to who they are.
"Girls find themselves in situations where they are abused because they lack information. Our belief systems are important, and in this case, believe in yourself as young ladies and take care of yourselves," Ms. Nanyangwe said.
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