Combatting Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Lesotho

Internet Society Lesotho Chapter Hosts Stakeholder Workshop on Combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Mokhotlong, 13 June 2025 – The Internet Society Lesotho Chapter convened a landmark Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Mokhotlong focused on tackling Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). The event gathered key representatives from government, civil society, healthcare, law enforcement, and community organizations to confront the rising challenges of gender-based violence in digital spaces.

Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence

Addressing the Growing Online Threat

Technology-driven gender violence such as online harassment, sextortion, impersonation, and doxing has surged with increased internet use. In response, the Internet Society Lesotho Chapter spearheaded this workshop to raise awareness, foster knowledge-sharing, and bolster collective strategies to enhance digital safety—especially for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence

Diverse Stakeholder Participation

Attendees included:

Red Cross – Trafficking in Persons (TIP)
Lesotho Correctional Services
Social Work Sector focused on HIV/AIDS
LANFE
BAYLOR College of Medicine
Lesotho Mounted Police Service (Criminal Investigation Division and Child Protection Unit)

These participants mainly represented the District Child Protection Team in Mokhotlong.

Workshop Highlights

Digital Rights and Freedoms

Facilitated by Mamoqenelo Morolong, the session explained fundamental digital rights including privacy, security, consent, and data protection. Discussions explored balancing privacy and public interest, especially concerning law enforcement’s online posts.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

Tšoloane Lebina demonstrated practical cybersecurity tools such as VPNs, private DNS, and two-factor authentication, alongside highlighting risks from app permissions. Naleli Makakane provided insights into relevant legislation like the Data Protection Act, Computer and Cybercrime Bill, and international frameworks.

Understanding TFGBV

Seabata Makoae unpacked multiple forms of TFGBV, its primary victims, and underlying causes rooted in patriarchal norms. The session highlighted the severe psychological impacts and growing prevalence even among children.

Challenges and Collective Solutions

Gaps in digital evidence admissibility and law enforcement capacity.
Limited cybersecurity awareness and training.
Organizational vulnerabilities to cyberattacks.
The need for regulated social media content policies.

Key Recommendations

Legal recognition of digital evidence in courts.
Ongoing training in digital rights, ethics, and cybersecurity.
Development of content moderation protocols for official platforms.

Moving Forward

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments to safeguarding digital rights and creating an inclusive, secure online environment through shared accountability and collaborative efforts among stakeholders.