Kenya Calls for Global Cooperation to Combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence at CSW70

By Winny Power
Times Square Global Live (TSGL)
NEW YORK, United Nations

During the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), the Government of Kenya hosted a high-level side event on March 17, highlighting the urgent need to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

The event, titled:
“Pathways to Justice: Scaling Solutions Towards Combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence,”

brought together policymakers, international organizations, and civil society leaders to explore solutions through legal reform, digital governance, and global cooperation.

🔹 Rising Digital Threats

In an interview with Times Square Global Live, Phoebe Makungu noted that emerging forms of TFGBV in Africa include:
   •   AI-generated deepfake content
   •   Online impersonation and image manipulation
   •   Cross-platform harassment
   •   Cross-border cyber violence

She emphasized that these attacks often target women in media, activism, and public leadership, and may escalate into offline harm.

“Technology has created new opportunities, but also new risks. Addressing TFGBV requires strong legal frameworks, responsible platforms, and global cooperation.”

⚖️ Legal and Judicial Reforms

Kenya highlighted key reforms, including:
   •   Amendments to the Children Act (2022) and Sexual Offences Act (2006)
   •   Strengthened Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2025)
   •   Survivor-centered digital reporting systems
   •   Specialized gender justice courts

Chief Justice Martha Koome stressed:

“Judicial systems must evolve to address crimes in both physical and digital spaces.”

🌍 Global Partnerships

UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda underscored the importance of safe digital environments:

“Digital spaces must be safe, inclusive, and respectful for women and girls everywhere.”

Participants emphasized the need for:
   •   Stronger international legal frameworks
   •   Platform accountability
   •   Cross-border cooperation
   •   Survivor-centered support systems

🌐 A Shared Global Responsibility

Kenya reaffirmed that addressing TFGBV requires collective global action.

“No country can tackle this challenge alone.”

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