Digital violence has become an alarming issue in Chad, particularly for women who dare to speak out. The case of Zouhoura, a 16-year-old student who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in 2016, highlighted the devastating impact of online abuse after her attackers shared violating images of her across social platforms. A decade later, this scourge persists, targeting activists and ordinary citizens alike.
In Chad, a simple online post can expose individuals to relentless cyber harassment. Human rights defenders, including Epiphanie Dionrang, president of the Chadian League for Women’s Rights, have personally endured these digital attacks due to their public stance. In an exclusive conversation, she shares her experience and calls for stronger measures to combat online violence.
Cyber harassment manifests in various insidious ways—threatening messages, sexist insults, hate comments, and the weaponization of personal data. Victims often face psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, leading many to withdraw from public life or self-censor on social media.
Voices from the frontlines: Epiphanie Dionrang speaks out
Q: As head of the Chadian League for Women’s Rights, how does your advocacy connect to the fight against cyber harassment?
Epiphanie Dionrang: Cyber harassment is a daily reality for women and girls in Chad. I’ve experienced it firsthand due to my activism, facing backlash, hate speech, and even intimidation calls. Every woman in the public eye knows this risk.
Q: What forms does this harassment take?
Epiphanie: It ranges from sexist comments and hate messages to coordinated attacks using fake profiles. Sometimes, it’s people we know—former friends or acquaintances hiding behind anonymity.
Q: What are the consequences for victims?
Epiphanie: The psychological toll is immense. Victims endure chronic stress, depression, and self-doubt, often isolating themselves to avoid humiliation. In extreme cases, the abuse leads to suicidal thoughts. Many women withdraw from public life entirely.
Q: How can victims protect themselves and seek justice?
Epiphanie: Documenting evidence is critical. Save screenshots, links, timestamps, and user details. Report to authorities, but in Chad, legal recourse is slow and ineffective. We lack a dedicated cybercrime law, and even existing agencies often fail to act. Victims fear retaliation, knowing there’s little protection.
The National Cybersecurity Agency and the cybercrime unit conduct awareness campaigns, but enforcement remains weak. Prevention is not enough—there must be consequences for harassers.
Q: Documentaries like Harcèlement 2.0: La résilience des Africaines connectées aim to break the silence. Do they help?
Epiphanie: Absolutely. The film, which features my story, has empowered many women to share their experiences. It creates safe spaces for dialogue and urges society to listen without judgment. While change won’t happen overnight, these initiatives are vital steps toward accountability.
Yet, systemic change requires more than awareness—it demands legal reforms, stronger institutions, and a cultural shift that rejects victim-blaming.
