MTN Ghana is observing this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Children.” The campaign is taking place in various parts of the country.
During the launch event with over 100 students from the Police Depot Cluster of Schools at Tesano, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, MTN Ghana's Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, emphasized that this year's campaign aims to protect everyone, especially women and children, from digital violence.
She mentioned that MTN is working closely with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and the Cyber Security Authority to raise awareness about the risks and impact of harmful online behaviors. “We are already familiar with physical forms of gender-based violence. However, as more of our life is spent online, so has abuse also moved to the digital space, showing up as cyberbullying, harassment, and other harmful online actions, most of which disproportionately affect women and girls,” Madam Wiafe stated.
Adwoa Wiafe emphasized that while MTN strives to ensure everyone benefits from a modern, connected life, it also bears the responsibility of making the internet a safe space. “Being connected should be a positive and empowering experience. Anything that causes harm or negativity is something we must all work together to eliminate,” she said.
ACP Owusuaa Kyeremeh, Director of DOVVSU, highlighted the rising danger of digital violence and its serious effects on women and girls. “With a single click, someone can spread harmful videos, steal personal information, or send threats that infringe on another person's freedom,” she explained.
She emphasized that girls and young women are especially vulnerable to harassment, pressured to share sexual content, experience hacking, and face non-consensual distribution of private images, many of which go unreported. She urged students not to be bystanders and challenged them to become the generation that stops digital violence.
MTN and DOVVSU are conducting various awareness activities nationwide to raise understanding of digital safety. These efforts include coordinated radio interviews in the regions, school debates on preventing digital violence, film screenings, victim support information sessions, and community engagement focused on online safety and violence prevention.
The launch also featured an interactive session on cyber hygiene and cybersecurity tips, led by Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi, Director of Cybercrime, along with a representative from MTN. The most engaged student of the day was awarded a tablet as a prize.
The 2025 campaign reinforces MTN Ghana’s commitment to promoting responsible digital behavior while ensuring that the internet remains a safe and empowering space for everyone, especially women and children.
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