The Stakeholder Meeting on The Role and Risk of Technology in Combating and Facilitating GBV
On November 19, 2024, Certa Foundation, in partnership with Kvinna till Kvinna, hosted a key stakeholder meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, focused on “The Role and Risk of Technology in Combating and Facilitating GBV.” The event brought together over 100 participants, including representatives from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN), academia, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders. These experts and advocates engaged in vital discussions to address the growing issue of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and explore strategies for creating safer digital spaces.
The meeting was organized by Certa Foundation, with active contributions from various partners including RURA, Rwanda National Police, and Kvinna till Kvinna. Through insightful discussions, the participants focused on the dual role of technology in both combating and facilitating GBV. Presentations from key speakers, such as Florida Kabasinga (Founder of Certa Foundation), Janet Umutesi (Senior Manager, RURA), and Laura Kagina (Program Coordinator for Gender Policy Advocacy), examined the impact of digital platforms on GBV cases and the need for better regulation, awareness, and accountability.
A central topic discussed was how emerging technologies such as AI and digital platforms can be leveraged to protect victims, while also recognizing their misuse in perpetuating cyberbullying, sextortion, and online harassment. Panelists emphasized the need for collaboration across sectors, including law enforcement, media, and technology companies, to tackle these issues.
By the end of the meeting, there was a clear consensus on the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to strengthen digital literacy, raise awareness, and develop policies to curb TFGBV. With a shared commitment to creating safe digital spaces, the meeting highlighted the importance of combining technology, legal frameworks, and public education to address the growing challenges of TFGBV.
Certa Foundation continues to lead efforts in empowering communities, shaping public discourse, and advocating for justice for survivors of GBV.