As the globe commemorates the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based violence in 2025, there is an urgent appeal for communities, law enforcement, and legislators to step up efforts to combat the rising tide of online abuse against women and girls.
Activists highlighted the growing intersections between legal frameworks, protection systems, and the lived reality of those most affected, particularly LBQ women, during a panel discussion presented by the GALZ Women’s Forum on November 25 as part of the formal kickoff of the 16 Days of Activism.
Speakers emphasized that, despite the presence of protective legislation such as Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act of December 2021, many communities are still uninformed of their rights or how to seek assistance when targeted online. This widespread lack of understanding continues to discourage survivors from reporting violations, causing countless women and girls to suffer in silence. Those who attempt to seek justice frequently face discrimination and subsequent victimisation. Several LBQ women have stated that when they report cyberbullying, identity-based abuse, or threats, they are evaluated for their sexuality or looks rather than being helped with their cases. This exacerbates distress while undermining legal protections.
Organisations that engage with LBQ communities have made concerted attempts to train and educate law enforcement professionals on how to handle situations involving sexual minorities with sensitivity and professionalism. However, panelists pointed out that these efforts have not resulted in significant systemic change. Officers who have been trained in sensitisation are rarely the ones who engage with survivors on a regular basis. As a result, victims frequently interact with unskilled workers who respond with derision, intrusive interrogation, or outright disdain. These negative experiences weaken trust, deter future reporting, and exacerbate the gap between legal safeguards on paper and justice in practice.
Concerns were also expressed regarding the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), which has been in operation for several years but has been unreliable in responding to LBQ survivors. Participants described situations in which victims were told to return home and “resolve issues privately” with abusive spouses, or were subjected to intrusive inquiries that made them feel frightened and exposed. Such responses not only retraumatize survivors, but also enable offenders to continue their abuse unabated.
Panelists also emphasized the pervasive acceptance of gender-based violence in both online and offline environments. Subtle screams for aid are frequently ignored as jokes, exaggerations, or personal difficulties. Known abusers continue to act out because communities prefer silence over accountability. Activists cautioned that this culture of inaction perpetuates the cycle of violence and leaves survivors without real help.
Speakers emphasized that addressing these difficulties demands collaborative responsibility. Communities must become proactive in detecting, responding to, and preventing violence not just during the 16 Days of Activism, but all year. They underlined the vital need for safe and fearless spaces where LBQ women and girls may seek refuge, learn about their rights, share their stories, and learn how to protect themselves both online and offline.
Ultimately, the call to action was plain and urgent: legal frameworks alone are insufficient. Ending digital violence requires a concerted effort by communities, institutions, and individuals to establish situations in which all women and girls feel safe, valued, and empowered to seek justice without fear.
