By A, KNA
Migori county has launched a campaign to end digital violence against women and girls in the county to protect their dignity in society.
Migori County Chief Officer in charge of Gender Inclusivity, Culture, and Social Services Professor Rose Odhiambo, called on stakeholders to unite in the fight against digital violence targeting women and girls.
Ms Odhiambo, who is also a leading advocate for women’s rights, said that the alarming rate of online violence is going beyond control, with 51 per cent of women globally experiencing digital harassment in 2024.
The County Official also emphasised that digital violence affects women from all walks of life, regardless of their socio-economic background, education level, age, or career.
“One in every five women experiences digital harassment, often from people they know; and what even makes it so painful is that our own society perpetrates women’s dignity,” she said.
She called for a multifaceted approach to address the issue, involving the county government, national government, community leaders, civil society, and technology stakeholders.
“We must go beyond policy formulation and work actively to protect the digital rights and safety of women and girls,” she urged.
Odhiambo announced that the county government, through the Directorate of Gender Inclusivity, Culture, and Social Services, will launch initiatives to combat digital violence, including a pay-role programme aimed at mobilising the community to confront harmful practices such as Female Gentile Mutilation (FGM), intimate partner violence, and child abuse.
The 16-day campaign, themed “End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” will honour survivors and emphasise that their rights matter.
The official explained that every woman remains vulnerable to technology-facilitated abuse, and it is essential to nurture a culture that protects women and girls everywhere.
The campaign is part of the county’s efforts to implement targeted initiatives, including supporting Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s leadership in promoting women’s empowerment and safety.
Migori County Gender Director-National Official Reverend Kennedy Oomo said that abuse perpetrated online continues to damage the reputation of women and girls, highlighting the misuse of media in terms of sharing pornographic content and Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated images that portray individuals in a bad light.
Oomo encouraged the residents of Migori and gender stakeholders to come and join the 16 Days of Activism to end digital violence against all women and girls and make the society a better place.
The 16 Days of Activism to end digital violence against all women and girls campaign, which kicked off on 25 November and runs to December 10, 2025, across the world, will also aim to sensitise the public on human rights issues by highlighting that violence against women is the most pervasive breach of human privileges.