Students and lecturers from the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies (IWGDS) at Egerton University staged a vibrant campus walk on Friday morning, marking this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a strong focus on the rising threat of digital gender-based violence.The procession began at the University’s Main Gate, where the IWGDS students assembled with eye-catching placards, before moving through the hostel area and circling the sports pavilion.
The march created a wave of awareness across the campus, with students chanting messages of solidarity and urging their peers to take a stand against all forms of violence.Placards carried by participants bore sharp messages including “Stop Digital Harassment,” “End Sextortion,” “Consent Applies Online Too,” “Your Digital Footprint Matters,” and “Report Cyber Abuse.”These slogans connected directly with this year’s theme, which focuses on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV)—a growing challenge for young people in both academic and social settings.At the sports pavilion, the group gathered for a reflective engagement session led by Don Dr. Magdalene Gesare of the Gender Institute. In her remarks, Dr. Gesare emphasized that digital spaces, while powerful for learning and communication, have increasingly become sites of exploitation, intimidation, and abuse.She highlighted sextortion as one of the fastest-growing forms of online GBV, noting that perpetrators often use coercion, manipulation, or threats involving private images or messages. Dr. Gesare urged students to be vigilant, safeguard their personal information, and report any form of digital abuse immediately.
“Technology has expanded opportunities for learning and connection, but we must also recognize the darker side,” Dr. Gesare said. “Sextortion and other online abuses are on the rise, and young people are particularly targeted. We must speak out, report, support survivors, and educate each other on safe digital practices.”
Her message resonated deeply with the students, many of whom shared their own views during the session. Male students urged their peers to challenge harmful online behaviour, discouraging the forwarding of private images, cyberbullying, or participation in digital harassment.Female students emphasized the importance of safe reporting channels, peer support, and early intervention before online threats escalate into physical or psychological harm.Students spoke passionately about the need for responsible engagement in digital spaces, noting that many forms of online violence are normalized or minimized, especially among young people. They called on the university community to uphold values of respect and accountability—both offline and online.Lecturers present encouraged students to integrate digital safety awareness into their academic projects and community outreach work, noting that digital GBV is now a major area of concern across universities worldwide.
As the global campaign continues until December 10, the IWGDS reaffirmed its role in leading campus-wide advocacy and equipping students with the knowledge to navigate both physical and digital environments safely.The morning walk, combined with the dialogue led by Dr. Gesare, underscored Egerton University’s commitment to a safer, more informed, and more digitally responsible community.In the culmination of the awareness event ,unifying messages were echoed by students and faculty alike: Gender-based violence—whether physical, psychological, or digital—has no place at Egerton University or in society.
Story and Video by Kuran Musa/ Egerton University.
By Kurian Musa, Communication Officer
