Reclaiming Digital Spaces for Women and Girls
Gender-based violence remains widespread, with one in three women globally experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. As more of life takes place online, these harms are being repeated and amplified in digital spaces through harassment, stalking and the misuse of personal images. The risks are growing. Research from Sensity AI shows that over 90 per cent of deepfake images online are non-consensual sexual content, and the vast majority depict women. Women in public life, including journalists, politicians and activists, often face coordinated digital attacks intended to discredit or silence them. Those with limited connectivity or digital literacy are at increased risk of exploitation, widening existing inequalities. As the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, the 2025 UNiTE theme, “End digital violence against all women and girls,” calls for stronger protection and accountability across the digital ecosystem. This includes more effective laws, better enforcement, safer platform design and support that centres the needs and rights of survivors. The campaign reflects a global priority: ensuring that every woman and girl can learn, work and participate online with confidence and dignity.

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There is #NoExcuse for Digital Violence Against Women and Girls

90–95% of all online deepfakes are non-consensual sexual content
According to Sensity AI, over 90% of deepfake images online are non-consensual sexual content, and 90% of those depict women.
1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime - much of it now occuring online
From trolling and stalking to doxxing and gendered disinformation, digital platforms are amplifying real-world violence, with online abuse often spilling into offline harm.
Women in public life face targeted online attacks daily
Journalists, politicians, activists and human-rights defenders are disproportionately targeted by coordinated online harassment that seeks to silence their voices and limit their influence.

What is MTN doing to fight GBV?

MTN supports 16 Days of Activism by using our reach and digital platforms to raise awareness about technology-facilitated abuse and guide people to credible safety resources. Through the theme CTRL + ALT + HEAL, we encourage a digital and emotional reset that promotes safer and more respectful online behaviour. We focus on three areas:

Awareness & education: Expert-led CTRL + ALT + HEAL sessions and survivor-informed content that help people recognise online harassment, protect their digital information and find reliable support.

Technology-enabled support: Partnerships with leading safety organisations, including the Internet Watch Foundation and the I AM Collective, to prevent harmful content, provide wellbeing tools and offer safe digital spaces.

Local action: MTN teams across our footprint collaborate with community organisations, government partners and GBV programmes to deliver relevant, responsible and locally meaningful initiatives.

Visit SUSTAINABLE SOCIETIES

MTN's commitments to supporting gender equality

To achieve gender equity by no later than 2030
We are committed to achieving gender parity, with 50% women across our workforce, including executive leadership and the Board.
Higher representation of women within technology roles
We aim for a minimum of 30% by 2030, building upon the existing base of 17%.
Using technology to combat GBV across Africa
MTN is actively contributing to the fight against GBV through technology-enabled prevention and support.

There is #NoExcuse: MTN’s five case studies of action, safety and empowerment

MTN’s spotlight showcases five powerful stories - from digital learning and volunteer innovation to financial inclusion, survivor support and child online safety - demonstrating how technology is helping end digital violence against women and girls across Africa.

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What can you do to fight GBV?

Digital spaces should promote empowerment and safety. They were originally designed to enhance communication and, enable connection and access to information, education and economic participation. But for countless women and girls, the promise of digital spaces is overshadowed by daily harassment, stalking, and abuse.

We all have a role to play in making technology safe and empowering for everyone. Here’s how you can take action during the 16 Days of Activism—and beyond: