The Escalating Threat of Digital Violence Against Ethiopian Women Activists

In recent years, Ethiopian women activists have increasingly faced severe online threats, culminating in a pervasive culture of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). This phenomenon encompasses various forms of abuse, including doxing, deepfake manipulation, and sexual harassment, which can escalate into real-world violence. Yordanos Bezabih, a prominent women's rights activist, exemplifies this trend. After enduring years of online threats, including attempts to track her down and the circulation of deepfake images, Bezabih left Ethiopia in August 2025 for her safety, citing the dangers of continuing her advocacy work in the country.

The Guardian

The civil war in Tigray has significantly influenced the current landscape of online violence. During the conflict, mass sexual violence was weaponized, creating an environment where threats against women activists have become normalized. Maya Misikir, sister of fellow activist Lella Misikir, noted that self-identifying as a feminist in Ethiopia now associates individuals with anti-Ethiopian values, making them targets for online harassment. This sentiment is echoed by an anonymous activist who stated that women speaking out against gender-based violence are viewed as threats to traditional values and must be silenced.

The Guardian

Research conducted by the Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) highlights the alarming normalization of TFGBV in Ethiopia. Their 2024 report, "Silence, Shamed and Threatened," indicates that online abuse has become so prevalent that it often goes unnoticed, with severe offline consequences, including psychological harm and physical assaults. Interviews with Ethiopian women reveal that many feel compelled to withdraw from social media due to the relentless harassment they face.

The Guardian

Despite the growing crisis, there is a notable lack of governmental action to address TFGBV. Befekadu Hailu, a civil society leader, expressed skepticism about the government's commitment to tackling online harassment, stating, "I have never come across any government action following any tech-facilitated gender-based violence." Activists also criticize social media platforms for their inadequate responses to reports of abuse, further exacerbating the situation for women activists.

The Guardian

The consequences of online violence extend beyond the digital realm, pushing women out of public spaces and silencing their voices. An organization focused on Ethiopian youth highlighted that rather than holding perpetrators accountable, women are often advised to withdraw from online platforms, effectively silencing them. This societal indifference to the ramifications of online abuse reflects a broader failure to recognize the seriousness of the issue in the aftermath of a devastating war.

The Guardian

• “I have been forced to remain outside the country in order to protect my safety and continue my work,” — Yordanos Bezabih, Women's Rights Activist

The Guardian

• “If you self-describe as a feminist, then you become a target, as that word is associated nowadays with anti-Ethiopian values and traditions, against the core family unit.” — Maya Misikir, Women's Rights Activist

The Guardian

• “I don’t think the government is much concerned about online harassment. It is barely a government agenda,” — Befekadu Hailu, Civil Society Leader

The Guardian

• “Instead of accountability for the perpetrators, women are frequently told to withdraw from online spaces, effectively silencing them and pushing them away,” — Director of an Ethiopian Youth Organization

The Guardian

The alarming rise of TFGBV in Ethiopia poses significant challenges for women activists, who find themselves navigating a hostile online environment. As the culture of violence continues to escalate, the need for effective policies and accountability measures becomes increasingly urgent to protect those advocating for women's rights in the country.

The Guardian