Survey of Cyber Violence Against Women in Malawi

TL;DR

This survey investigates the rising prevalence of cyber violence against women in Malawi, highlighting forms, perpetrators, motivations, coping strategies, and barriers to reporting, providing insights for policy and intervention strategies.

Contribution

It offers the first comprehensive survey of cyber violence against women in Malawi, applying the Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Framework to understand the issue.

Findings

Women experience various forms of cyber violence including cyber bullying and harassment.

Perpetrators are motivated by revenge, jealousy, and political agendas.

Women rarely report incidents due to lack of awareness and cultural barriers.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cyber violence against women in Karonga district of Malawi. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. About 67 women participated in the survey questionnaire. The study utilised Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Framework as theoretical lens. The study noted that women experienced various forms of cyber violence such as cyber bullying, cyber harassment, online defamation, cyberstalking, sexual exploitation, online hate speech, and revenge pornography. Perpetrators used digital platforms such Facebook, WhatsApp, online personal accounts, dating sites, and smartphones to carry out their evil acts. The study also found that perpetrators' motivations were driven by revenge, anger, jealousy, sexual desire and political agenda, with the intentions to harm the victims socially, psychologically, economically, and physically. The women used coping measures such as confrontation and blocking the perpetrator or by leaving the online platform. It was found that women never bothered to report the incidences to the police or community to seek for support due to lack of awareness, cultural and patriarchal factors. In conclusion, the study found that the prevalence of cyber violence against women is rising significantly in Malawi. Therefore, the findings provide insights to policy makers and research practioners on how to implement strategies for combating cyber violence against women in the country.