Rising tide of cyberbullying against women in Chad

A decade has passed since the horrific ordeal of Zouhoura, a 16-year-old student whose kidnapping and collective rape were broadcast across social media by her attackers. This 2016 tragedy left an indelible mark on Tchad, yet the digital landscape remains a hostile environment for many. Today, online violence continues to be a weapon used to silence and humiliate women across the country.

In Tchad, the simple act of sharing a photo or expressing an opinion online can trigger a wave of abuse. Human rights defenders are particularly vulnerable to these digital assaults. Epiphanie Dionrang, who leads the Ligue tchadienne des droits des femmes, has experienced this firsthand. Her public advocacy has made her a frequent target of online backlash, highlighting the urgent need for better protection and prevention strategies.

The daily reality of digital violence

For Epiphanie Dionrang, cyberbullying is an extension of the systemic violence women encounter in Chadian society. It manifests through sexist insults, hateful commentary, and direct intimidation. These attacks are not just words; they are deliberate attempts to destabilize women who dare to occupy public spaces.

The psychological toll is devastating. Victims often grapple with chronic anxiety, intense stress, and a persistent sense of fear. In many cases, the abuse leads to depression, a total loss of self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Harassers frequently weaponize private information to maximize humiliation, pushing some victims toward suicidal thoughts. This climate of fear forces many to self-censor, effectively removing them from civic and professional life.

A legal and institutional vacuum

Identifying the perpetrators is a complex task. While some are known associates or former friends, many hide behind anonymous profiles. Dionrang emphasizes the importance of meticulously documenting every interaction—taking screenshots of messages, profiles, and timestamps—to build a case. However, seeking justice in Tchad remains an uphill battle.

The country currently lacks a comprehensive digital legal code. Even when formal complaints are filed, the judicial response is often sluggish or non-existent. While a national agency for computer security and a cybercrime unit exist, their impact is limited. Awareness campaigns in schools are a start, but they fail to address the need for firm repression of digital crimes. Many victims remain silent, convinced that no one will protect them if they speak out.

Breaking the silence through resilience

Efforts to combat this phenomenon are growing. The documentary “Harcèlement 2.0, La résilience des Africaines connectées” by filmmaker Aché Ahmat Moustapha features Dionrang and other survivors, aiming to shatter the taboos surrounding online abuse. The film serves as a powerful advocacy tool, encouraging women to reclaim their voices.

The goal is to create safe environments where victims are believed rather than judged. Too often, social media users blame the victim without understanding the context of the harassment. By fostering solidarity and demanding institutional change, activists hope to ensure that digital spaces in Tchad, and across the continent, eventually become safe for everyone.