Stakeholders working to curb gender-based violence in Mbeya are warning of a steady rise in digital forms of abuse, saying rapid technological development and the spread of artificial intelligence are exposing more women and girls to new and complex risks.
Their concerns emerged over the weekend during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, marked in Mbeya through sports activities organised by Shalom Development Organization in partnership with the Italian non-profit Comunita Solidali nel Mondo.
Women’s football and short-distance races at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) grounds were used to spread messages condemning online abuse.
Stakeholders say the anonymity and speed of the digital world have made online gender-based violence harder to detect and control.
They note that victims often suffer quietly while facing long-lasting emotional and psychological harm.
Mbeya City Police Gender Desk Officer, Sergeant Melania Kifaru, used the event to caution young women against allowing partners to take intimate photos, saying such images are frequently weaponised when relationships fall apart.
“Some use these photos to intimidate or punish their former partners. I urge young women not to allow such images to be taken, and if anyone threatens to publish them, report immediately. We handle these cases confidentially and offer psychological support,” she said.
Mbeya City Social Welfare Officer Saada Haruna, who officiated the event, said combating online violence requires stronger public education and targeted support systems for survivors.
She said the rise in digital abuse mirrors the rapid expansion of online platforms, which many exploit to harass or manipulate women and girls.
“Online violence has become deeply painful for girls. Instead of using digital spaces to degrade one another, we should treat them as opportunities for learning and growth,” she said, urging communities to work collectively to protect vulnerable groups.
Saada explained that online gender-based violence includes insults, threats, humiliation, hacking of personal information, cyberbullying, smear campaigns, online fraud, and the non-consensual sharing of private images acts she described as clear violations of human rights and personal dignity.
According to her, these forms of abuse are often directed at women simply because of their gender, making them a serious societal concern that demands coordinated action.
Claud Mwakaje, Coordinator of the Mbeya CBR SIMAMA project, which implements gender interventions in the region, said sports provide an effective channel for delivering awareness messages, as they attract large audiences, including those most vulnerable to online risks.
“Sports do not only promote health, they bring communities together and offer a powerful platform to educate people on issues such as digital abuse,” he said.
Stakeholders concluded the event by calling for stronger community vigilance, improved reporting mechanisms, and broader education to curb the growing wave of online gender-based violence.