Document detail

Fighting violence against women online: a comparative analysis of legal frameworks in Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda

Internews; Pollicy (2020), 25 pp.
"The highest levels of regulation, from international treaties to constitutions, are unambiguous about creating an environment in which women thrive. However, this egalitarian space must be progressively realized, and one aspect of this work is eliminating discrimination, including in relation to gender-based violence (GBV). Whether authorities care to admit it or not, the Internet is an inseparable part of the society in which we live, and online GBV demands a resolute hand. Unfortunately, the gaps in legal frameworks, not to mention deficient law enforcement, are forcing women to self-censor online or even wholly abandon platforms that could be used for legitimate expression and the exercise of other fundamental rights. Unless governments take urgent, comprehensive action, the inadequate protection of women’s rights online will continue to erode any other legislative attempts to achieve equality across different spheres of life." (Conclusion)
Contents
Introduction, 4
Limitations, 5
International Instruments, 6
Overview of Domestic Regulatory Frameworks, 7
Ethiopia: General Gender Equality Laws -- Criminal Laws -- Civil Remedies, 7
Kenya: General Gender Equality Laws -- Criminal Laws -- Civil Remedies, 8
Senegal: General Gender Equality Laws -- Criminal Laws -- Civil Remedies, 10
South Africa: General Gender Equality Laws -- Criminal Laws -- Civil Remedies, 11
Uganda: General Gender Equality Laws -- Criminal Laws -- Civil Remedies, 14
Regulatory Issues, 15
Conclusion, 18
Recommendations, 19