Fallout of 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women: Experts examine far-reaching impact of online abuse
The Intelligent Lady Academy, in partnership with Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF), has convened a high-level side event at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), bringing global attention to the escalating crisis of digital violence against women and girls and the urgent need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action.
The event, hosted via Zoom and themed, “Digital violence against women and girls: Navigating access to justice and healing systems,” brought together experts from the legal, mental health, policy, and development sectors to examine the far-reaching impact of online abuse and identify pathways for justice, protection, and survivor-centred recovery.
Alarming data
According to UN Women and United Nations reports (2025), approximately 38 per cent of women globally have experienced online violence, while 85 per cent have witnessed it.
Additionally, an estimated 90–95 per cent of online deepfake content consists of non-consensual intimate images, with the vast majority of victims being women.
These figures highlight the growing normalisation of digital harm and its serious implications for the safety, dignity, and participation of women and girls in public life.
Discussions emphasised that digital violence extends beyond online platforms, often mirroring and reinforcing existing patterns of gender-based violence in offline spaces.
Experts noted its profound impact on mental health, livelihoods, relationships, and community well-being.
Panellists
The Founder of The Ark Foundation Ghana, Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, highlighted the intersection between digital abuse and broader gender-based violence, emphasising the need for legal systems to evolve continuously to address emerging forms of harm.
For her part, a Clinical Psychologist and Global Mental Health Specialist at the University of Denver, Dr Gwen Vogel Mitchell, explored the psychological impact of digital violence, noting that the permanence and repeated exposure of harmful content can prolong trauma and complicate recovery for survivors.
A development practitioner, Makomborero Carl Muropa, stressed that digital violence often spills into offline realities, reinforcing the importance of community-based protection and support systems.
From a legal perspective, Dove Manasseh of the Legal Aid Commission of Ghana identified key challenges, including fragmented legal frameworks, weak reporting mechanisms, and limited institutional capacity to respond effectively to evolving digital threats.
She emphasised the need for stronger, coordinated legal systems that ensure timely and meaningful access to justice for survivors.
Representing government policy, the Head of Programmes and Projects Division at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Abena Aprekua Badu-Aboagye, highlighted ongoing national efforts, including the Child Online Protection Framework, public awareness initiatives, and collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority to strengthen digital safety and reporting mechanisms.
The session was moderated by the Founder and Executive Director of The Intelligent Lady Academy, Princess Sekyere Bih, who guided discussions toward actionable solutions and cross-sector collaboration.
Impact of digital violence
Reflecting on the urgency of the issue, Mrs Sekyere Bih noted, “Digital violence against women and girls is not just a technology issue — it is a justice, protection, and human rights concern.
“As these harms continue to evolve, our systems must respond with equal urgency through strengthened legal frameworks, survivor-centred support, and sustained awareness at all levels,” she said.
