Cyber harassment: a growing menace targeting women in Chad
In Chad, digital violence has become a distressing reality for many women. Following the Zouhoura case, activist Epiphanie Dionrang shares her experience with online abuse and the urgent need to address this escalating issue.
Ten years ago, a tragic case shocked Chad when a 16-year-old high school student was kidnapped and sexually assaulted. Her assailants then shared the attack’s footage online, compounding her trauma. Today, digital violence against women persists, with online harassment targeting those who dare to speak out. Epiphanie Dionrang, president of the Chadian League for Women’s Rights, has faced this abuse firsthand due to her activism. She shares insights on combating digital violence in an exclusive interview.
Chadian women, particularly human rights defenders, are frequently targeted. Even a single post can expose them to relentless online abuse. Dionrang explains how the harassment manifests and its devastating effects on victims’ lives.
Voices from the frontline: Epiphanie Dionrang speaks out
What drives your commitment to women’s rights and your focus on addressing cyber harassment?
Epiphanie Dionrang: Cyber harassment is part and parcel of the daily violence women and girls endure. As president of the Chadian League for Women’s Rights, I’ve experienced this abuse firsthand because of my activism. It’s another form of violence we face—one that extends beyond physical spaces into the digital world.
How does cyber harassment typically unfold?
Epiphanie: The tactics vary widely. Victims receive sexist comments, hate messages, and intimidating phone calls. Aggressors may use private information to humiliate, while fake profiles amplify harassment. Sometimes, even former acquaintances turn into tormentors.
What are the consequences for victims?
Epiphanie: The psychological and emotional toll is immense. Victims endure chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, often leading to shattered self-esteem and social withdrawal. Many suffer sleep disorders or, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Some retreat from public life entirely, censoring themselves online to avoid further abuse. The repercussions ripple across social, professional, and economic spheres.
Can perpetrators be identified?
Epiphanie: Often, yes. Some attackers use recognizable profiles, while others hide behind anonymity. Collecting evidence is critical—screenshots, message links, dates, and user details help build cases. Yet, in Chad, pursuing justice remains a formidable challenge.
Legal recourse is nearly impossible without a dedicated digital crimes code. Even when victims report abuse, authorities frequently fail to act. The national cybersecurity agency and anti-cybercrime unit focus on prevention through school programs, but enforcement is virtually nonexistent. Victims hesitate to come forward, fearing no protection awaits them.
Documentaries like “Harassment 2.0: The Resilience of Connected African Women” aim to break the silence. How effective are such initiatives?
Epiphanie: These films are powerful tools for advocacy. Screenings across Chad have empowered women to share their stories. But change requires more than awareness—it demands safe spaces where victims feel heard and believed. Too often, online judgment silences women before they even speak. This documentary challenges that narrative, though its impact depends on broader societal shifts.
The fight against cyber harassment in Chad is far from over. Without stronger laws, institutional support, and cultural change, women will continue to face digital violence in silence.