Dear Listers,


This collection of summaries, "Narratives of Strength and Survival," highlights the experiences of Kenyan women who have encountered online gender-based violence (OGBV) and their fight for justice and survival. 


These summaries are based on interviews conducted by Maryanne W. Waweru as part of KICTANet and APC's "Our Voices, Our Stories" (OVOF) project.


1. Mary Mwendwa: Hunted by Her Own Story

Award-winning journalist, Mary Mwendwa's experience, showcases the chilling reality of online harassment women face in the media. After publishing a story on struggling former boxers, she faced online attacks and threats, highlighting the dangers of digital spaces for journalists speaking out on sensitive topics. http://tinyurl.com/3dyne4tz 


2. Living with HIV and Online Hate

This story explores the double burden faced by women living with HIV who encounter online hate speech and stigmatization. The article sheds light on the challenges of combating online discrimination and promoting inclusivity for marginalized communities. http://tinyurl.com/ntzc4682


3. Wanjiku Thiga's Battleground: The 2022 Kenyan Elections

Wanjiku Thiga, a politician and human rights activist, details her experience of online attacks and disinformation campaigns during the 2022 Kenyan elections. This story underscores the weaponization of digital platforms for political manipulation and the impact on women candidates. http://tinyurl.com/2p92cr9s 


4. The Price of Visibility: A Queer Activist's Battle with Online Trolls

Scarlet, a queer woman activist based in Nairobi, and her experiences with online harassment and abuse. Through interviews with Scarlet, the article sheds light on The impact of social media visibility on queer activists and; the Psychological costs of online harassment, and the need for supportive communities and platforms http://tinyurl.com/mswvwpdm


These stories paint a picture of the diverse challenges faced by Kenyan women online, ranging from targeted harassment to broader societal issues like HIV stigma and political manipulation.  Reading these stories is crucial to understanding the lived experiences of OGBV and advocating for solutions to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for all.


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Kind Regards,

David Indeje

KICTANet Communications 
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