Training Media Professionals to Combat Technology-Facilitated GBV

Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Through Training

More than 25 journalists and social media influencers recently completed a three-day training in Kigali focused on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). This issue is becoming increasingly relevant as internet usage continues to rise across the country. The workshop, organized by the Health Development Initiative (HDI), aimed to enhance participants’ ability to identify, prevent, and report on TFGBV using ethical and gender-sensitive communication methods.

Annonciata Mukayitete, Senior Programme Officer for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion at HDI, highlighted that the training was created to address a problem that has often been overlooked in Rwanda. She explained that while TFGBV may seem like a new concept, it is part of the broader issue of gender-based violence, but one that is exacerbated by technology. “Online violence takes various forms. It’s a global issue, and Rwanda is not immune to it,” she said.

Mukayitete emphasized the importance of involving social media influencers in the training due to their visibility and online reach. She pointed out that while some influencers may unintentionally contribute to TFGBV, they also have the potential to raise awareness, prevent such violence, and play an active role in addressing it.

The training began with discussions on gender norms and power dynamics, linking them to how violence manifests online. Participants explored how stereotypes and social inequalities leave women vulnerable to harassment and abuse both online and offline. “We discussed gender roles, inequalities, and how these impact victims, especially women, who are often in a weaker position due to power imbalances in our patriarchal system,” Mukayitete explained.

She added that the session encouraged participants to reflect on whether adhering to traditional gender roles for social approval is necessary or if they could adopt attitudes more aligned with a society that values human rights and equality.

Over the three days, participants examined how digital tools have created new avenues for abuse, including cyberstalking, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of private images. Through practical exercises, they were encouraged to consider how their reporting, social media posts, or content could either reinforce harmful stereotypes or challenge them.

Innocent Habumugisha, editor of the media outlet buzima.rw, shared how the training helped him understand the role of social norms in contributing to gender-based violence. He noted that GBV can take many forms—economic, psychological, emotional, or sexual—and that some people may not recognize certain behaviors as harmful because they are normalized in society.

Habumugisha stressed the importance of protecting the privacy of GBV survivors. “Sharing their name, location, or video online—even to raise awareness—can put them at risk and may lead to extreme actions, including suicide,” he said. As an editor, he plans to start by addressing his own errors and sharing the knowledge he gained with colleagues.

He emphasized that the media plays a crucial role in stopping harmful practices. “In chasing readership, we can lose sight of our values. TFGBV can show up in the content we publish, the comments we permit, or the voices we give a platform.”

Naomi Mugaragu Irakoze, a journalist with the online platform strongnews.rw, explained that journalists sometimes prioritize viewership over ethics. She noted that this can lead to the use of sensational headlines that may harm those covered in their stories. “From now on, I will focus on reporting about TFGBV, what it is, and how it happens. I will not stay silent when someone is harassed online because of their gender,” she said.

The workshop concluded with reporters pledging to use their platforms to raise awareness and produce responsible content. The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to address TFGBV effectively and ethically in their work.