Two and a half years ago, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights adopted the acclaimed Resolution 522 – a protective measure against digital violence aimed at women in Africa. Regrettably, the lofty promise of the resolution remains unfulfilled. Words on paper fail to constrain the alarming spread of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) across the African continent. What should be a territory of empowerment and innovation has turned into a theatre of violence, harassment, and intimidation against women.

Our digital landscape is currently fertile ground for all forms of violence against women, including the non-consensual sharing of information, a startling violation of privacy and dignity. According to a 2017 report by World Wide Web Foundation, more than half of young women and girls surveyed in ten major cities across the globe, reported experiencing harassment and abuse on social media platforms. The statistics are more staggering in the African context where fewer regulations exist.

The delay in implementing Resolution 522 is a delay in justice, in safety, and in progress. This is not just a fight for African women but a fight for humanity. The time to act is now.

We call upon our government and the ACHPR to robustly initiate mechanisms for expedient implementation of Resolution 522. Let's strengthen the safeguards against digital violence. Let's ensure our digital spaces are secured for everyone. It's time we turn Resolution 522 from paper to practice.

Please, sign this petition now and join our effort to combat digital violence against women in Africa.