Leading the Charge to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls

By Judith Mueni, Gender and Equity Inclusion Manager, KPMG International Development Advisory Services (IDAS) 

As the global community concluded the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, we reflect on the 2025 theme ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’’. This theme was significant as Africa continues to undergo a digital revolution. Digital spaces have become central to education, economic activity, entrepreneurship, governance, public engagement, and civic participation hence must be protected to ensure they remain inclusive and secure for women and girls.  

The rise of mobile money, social commerce and affordable digital tools has enabled thousands of small enterprises to participate in regional and global value chains. Digital commerce is transforming business across Sub-Saharan Africa with women- and youth-led SMEs and micro-entrepreneurs increasingly using online platforms to reach customers, manage transactions and expand into new markets. Yet, as the digital adoption expands, the risks of online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, algorithmic bias, and technology-facilitated coercion disproportionately undermine the safety and participation of women and girls. 

This moment reinforces IDAS’ commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, supporting inclusive, and safe digital transformation that is also empowering to women, girls and youth across Africa. 

Digital Violence: An Economic and Development Risk 

Digital violence has evolved beyond a social issue. It is now a significant development and economic challenge. The misuse of artificial intelligence and online platforms enables perpetrators to create and spread harmful content, impersonate entrepreneurs, and manipulate imagery eroding trust in the very ecosystem driving growth.  

The numbers tell a stark story: 15-58% of women and girls, globally, have been targeted by online violence1, and in Kenya 40% of female students report direct exposure, with nearly 90% witnessing it, 2  further widening the digital divide.  

For women-led SMEs whose brands often hinge on personal identity, attacks such as deepfakes or impersonation scams can severely damage customer trust. Combined with existing barriers - limited capital, market access, and socio-cultural constraints - digital insecurity becomes a major obstacle to sustainable economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation. Young entrepreneurs, especially women, face harassment after gaining online visibility which undermines confidence in e-commerce and erodes trust in digital payments and marketing, a paradox in an economy where online presence is now essential. 

This reality creates a clear mandate for organisations to integrate digital safety into institutional strengthening, inclusive systems design, and development finance. 

Positioned for Impact: KPMG IDAS and the Fight against Digital Violence 

Our shared vision of building a better, more sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of people, nurtures our planet and fosters prosperity carries a responsibility to champion inclusive digital transformation, that protects all and especially women, girls and the youth from digital violence through systemic change:  

• Embedding digital safety into program design and delivery: From digital skilling to entrepreneurship support, KPMG IDAS incorporates GBV risk assessments, safeguarding protocols, and survivor-centred referral pathways. 

• Strengthening e-commerce ecosystems for women and youth: Our work in enterprise development and market systems will integrate secure digital identity, online safety awareness, and trust-building mechanisms for women-led SMEs. 

• AI and data governance: We help institutions identify algorithmic biases, ensure responsible AI adoption, and build governance frameworks that protect women and girls from digital violence. 

• Bridging the digital gender divide: Through MEL, policy support, and capacity development, we will generate evidence that can inform national and regional digital inclusion strategies ensuring women and girls are not left behind. 

• Supporting donors investing in digital transformation: Our ability to manage complex, multi-country programmes make us a strategic partner in guiding donor portfolios toward safe, equitable digital ecosystems. 

A Call to Innovate, Invest, and Lead 

As the campaign concluded, the call to action is clear that ending digital violence is essential to unlocking Africa’s digital economy and ensuring women and girls can thrive in the future of work by ensuring they remain safe online. At KPMG IDAS, we are committed to leveraging our expertise, strategic partnerships, and innovation capacity to drive this transformation and sustain progress beyond the campaign period. 

This coming financial year 2026, our commitment is to champion safe digital environments, empower women and youth with the skills and tools they need, and integrate GBV prevention online and offline across all our development engagements we deliver. 

By leveraging our platforms, we can redefine how governments, donors and development partners approach digital safety, AI governance, and gender-responsive digital transformation. KPMG IDAS continues to set the pace demonstrating what leadership looks like in building a future where all women and girls can participate in digital spaces free from violence, bias, and exclusion and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation.  

Read more about the social inclusion and development sector at KPMG IDAS here