Accra, Ghana – March 23, 2026 — The Intelligent Lady Academy, in partnership with Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF), convened a high-level side event at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), bringing global attention to the escalating crisis of digital violence against women and girls and the urgent need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action.
The event, themed “Digital Violence Against Women and Girls: Navigating Access to Justice and Healing Systems,” brought together experts from the legal, mental health, policy, and development sectors to examine the far-reaching impact of online abuse and identify pathways for justice, protection, and survivor-centered recovery.
Recent data underscores the scale of the crisis. According to UN Women and United Nations reports (2025), approximately 38% of women globally have experienced online violence, while 85% have witnessed it. Additionally, an estimated 90–95% of online deepfake content consists of non-consensual intimate images, with the vast majority of victims being women. These figures highlight the growing normalization of digital harm and its serious implications for the safety, dignity, and participation of women and girls in public life.
Discussions emphasized that digital violence extends beyond online platforms, often mirroring and reinforcing existing patterns of gender-based violence in offline spaces. Experts noted its profound impact on mental health, livelihoods, relationships, and community well-being.
Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Founder of The Ark Foundation Ghana, highlighted the intersection between digital abuse and broader gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for legal systems to evolve continuously to address emerging forms of harm.
Dr. Gwen Vogel Mitchell, Clinical Psychologist and Global Mental Health Specialist at the University of Denver, explored the psychological impact of digital violence, noting that the permanence and repeated exposure of harmful content can prolong trauma and complicate recovery for survivors.
Development practitioner Makomborero Carl Muropa stressed that digital violence often spills into offline realities, reinforcing the importance of community-based protection and support systems.
From a legal perspective, Dove Manasseh, Esq., LLM, of the Legal Aid Commission of Ghana, identified key challenges including fragmented legal frameworks, weak reporting mechanisms, and limited institutional capacity to respond effectively to evolving digital threats. She emphasized the need for stronger, coordinated legal systems that ensure timely and meaningful access to justice for survivors.
Representing government policy, Abena Aprekua Badu-Aboagye, Head of Programmes and Projects Division at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, highlighted ongoing national efforts, including the Child Online Protection Framework, public awareness initiatives, and collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority to strengthen digital safety and reporting mechanisms.
The session was moderated by Princess Sekyere Bih, Founder and Executive Director of The Intelligent Lady Academy, who guided discussions toward actionable solutions and cross-sector collaboration.
Reflecting on the urgency of the issue, Mrs. Princess Sekyere Bih noted: “Digital violence against women and girls is not just a technology issue—it is a justice, protection, and human rights concern. As these harms continue to evolve, our systems must respond with equal urgency through strengthened legal frameworks, survivor-centered support, and sustained awareness at all levels.”
She further emphasized that the outcomes of the convening will inform future engagements and partnerships across Africa, aimed at translating the dialogue into action by working with key stakeholders to address identified gaps in prevention, protection, justice, and healing systems.
With over a decade of experience in communications, policy, and development practice, Princess Sekyere Bih has led initiatives focused on advancing leadership, agency, and opportunities for adolescent girls and young women across Africa through The Intelligent Lady Academy.
The event concluded with a strong call for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches that bring together legal reform, mental health services, community engagement, and policy innovation to effectively address digital violence.
About The Intelligent Lady Academy
Founded by Princess Sekyere Bih, The Intelligent Lady Academy is a leadership and development non-profit organization dedicated to empowering adolescent girls and young women through mentorship, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills training. The Academy equips young women with the tools to lead, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society by bridging the gap between education and practical life skills.
About Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF)
Founded by Mr. Seth Oteng, the Youth Bridge Foundation is a Ghana-based, ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organization committed to promoting youth development, gender equality, and civic engagement. YBF works across Africa to empower young people through advocacy, capacity building, and participation in global development processes, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.