The 2016 case of Zouhoura, a 16-year-old high school student who was kidnapped and subjected to a horrific gang rape, remains a painful memory in Chad. The trauma was amplified when her attackers shared footage of the assault across social media platforms. A decade later, the digital landscape remains a hostile environment where women are frequently targeted by online violence.

In Chad, the simple act of sharing a photo or video can trigger a wave of targeted harassment. Human rights activists are particularly vulnerable to these attacks. Epiphanie Dionrang, the leader of the Chadian League for Women’s Rights, has faced significant backlash and abuse due to her public stance on gender equality. She highlights the urgent need for better prevention strategies and more robust mechanisms to combat this digital scourge.

The reality of digital abuse

Cyber-harassment is a daily reality for many women and girls in Chadian society. This type of violence often manifests as a backlash against those who dare to speak out or take a leadership role. For activists like Epiphanie Dionrang, the abuse is inseparable from their mission to protect human rights.

The harassment takes many forms, ranging from sexist slurs and hate speech to direct intimidation and threatening phone calls. These digital attacks are designed to silence women and push them out of the public sphere.

The psychological and social toll

The consequences for victims are often devastating. Beyond the immediate digital noise, there is a profound emotional and psychological impact. Victims frequently report high levels of stress, chronic anxiety, and a constant sense of fear. In severe cases, this leads to clinical depression and even suicidal thoughts.

Furthermore, cyberbullying erodes self-esteem and creates a sense of deep humiliation, especially when private information is leaked to shame the victim. This often results in social withdrawal and self-censorship, as women reduce their participation in civic life to avoid further attacks. The damage can also extend to a person’s professional and economic standing.

The challenge of accountability

Identifying the perpetrators is difficult. While some attackers are known to the victims, many hide behind anonymous profiles or are former associates who disagree with the victim’s views. Collecting evidence—such as screenshots of comments, profiles, and timestamps—is essential for any hope of legal recourse.

However, the legal framework in Chad is currently inadequate. There is no specific digital law code to address these crimes effectively. While the National Computer Security Agency exists and houses a cybercrime unit, its efforts in prevention and awareness are seen as insufficient. Many victims feel that reporting abuse is futile because the justice system rarely follows through with meaningful action or protection.

Breaking the silence through film

To combat this culture of silence, creative works like the documentary “Harcèlement 2.0, La résilience des Africaines connectées” by filmmaker Aché Ahmat Moustapha are playing a vital role. The film aims to shatter taboos and encourage victims to share their stories.

Creating safe spaces where women can be heard without judgment is critical. Often, social media users are quick to blame the victim rather than offering support. By fostering a community where victims are believed and protected, activists hope to empower more women across Chad and the wider region to reclaim their digital presence and fight back against online violence.