Youth Webinar on Addressing Tech-Facilitated GBV in Africa

Rationale

In many African societies, social and gender norms continue to promote male dominance, now replicated and amplified through technology, particularly on social media platforms. Online spaces are increasingly used to reinforce toxic masculinities and dehumanizing portrayals of femininity, especially among youth, who form the largest demographic of Africa’s digital population. 

TFGBV is not only a human rights issue but a spiritual crisis that demands a prophetic and pastoral response from the Church. As Christians, we are mandated to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves (Proverbs 31:8–9), to protect the vulnerable, and to hold the powerful accountable. Jesus Himself dignified women in His ministry (John 4:1–26; Luke 8:1–3) and rebuked systems of oppression. Therefore, addressing TFGBV is a continuation of the Gospel’s work of liberating the oppressed and restoring God’s justice.

Digital violence often goes unreported or is minimized due to lack of awareness, victim-blaming, or insufficient legal protection. Many young women who engage online face abuse for speaking out, expressing opinions, or simply being visible. This becomes a barrier to gender equality and participation in society, church, and online spaces, thus contradicting the inclusiveness of the Body of Christ (Galatians 3:28). The Church must respond with prophetic imagination and practical action providing safe spaces for dialogue, reshaping gender narratives through life-affirming theology, and advocating for digital justice. As Paul writes in Ephesians 5:11, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” This training seeks to empower youth to expose and oppose digital violence, and become ambassadors of healing, equality, and truth in the digital age.

Main Objective
To empower African Christian youth to understand, prevent, and respond to Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and to advocate for safe, inclusive digital spaces through the lens of Christian faith.

Specific Objectives
1.    Raise awareness of the forms, drivers, and impact of TFGBV in African digital spaces.
2.    Equip youth with skills to identify, prevent, and respond to TFGBV, including digital safety, reporting, and peer support strategies.
3.    Promote life-affirming theologies and gender narratives that dismantle toxic masculinities and support digital justice.
4.    Identify and support one youth initiative addressing TFGBV 

Zoom link
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wuJ1F9CHTdy37MRYXd7ujQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.