TUM Partners with SCG to Tackle Digital Gender-Based Violence and Foster Peace

The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has teamed up with Search for Common Ground (SCG) to launch an initiative addressing femicide and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). The program seeks to raise awareness, foster safer digital spaces, and promote peacebuilding in the digital age.

Professor Peter Gichangi, TUM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Research, and Extension, highlighted the growing misuse of technology and online platforms to target women based on gender. “Technology has been weaponized to invade privacy and harm others. Such actions are unacceptable,” he emphasized during the program’s launch at TUM.

As part of the initiative, TUM plans to leverage its Institute of Computing and Informatics to develop innovative solutions ensuring digital safety. “Our research will focus on creating tools to protect individuals in online spaces while contributing to digital peace-building,” Professor Gichangi added.

Key Features of the Initiative

1. Combatting TFGBV:
   The program addresses online violence against women and promotes strategies to mitigate such abuses.
2. BridgeBot Innovation:
   Developed by SCG and TangibleAI, BridgeBot helps social media users engage in constructive, empathetic dialogue to de-escalate conflicts online. “BridgeBot equips users with non-violent communication skills, enabling trust-building in heated online discussions,” explained SCG Communication Officer Derrick Ouko.
3. Peace Club Formation:
   TUM will establish a Peace Club to foster dialogue and harmony within the university and the broader community.
4. Focus on Digital Peace-Building and Religious Coexistence:
   The partnership will explore solutions for combating digital violence, fostering religious tolerance, and addressing the role of technology in fueling regional conflicts.

SCG Director for the Horn of Africa, Judy Kimamo, noted the transformative yet dangerous power of technology in fueling tensions. “Digital platforms often exacerbate conflicts, spreading harmful messages and creating cross-border disputes. We aim to counter these challenges by promoting peace online,” she said.

Real-World Implications of Digital Violence

The urgency of addressing TFGBV is underscored by recent incidents, such as the tragic case of Rita Waeni, a JKUAT student murdered after meeting her alleged killer through Instagram. Globally, technology-fueled violence has led to devastating consequences, including the deaths of two young men in West Philadelphia last year after a social media clash escalated into gun violence.

A Commitment to Collaboration

Professor Gichangi emphasized the broader goals of the partnership, including fostering understanding and collaboration. “Whether online or offline, we aim to build communities that value peace and coexistence,” he concluded.

This partnership represents a significant step toward addressing the challenges of TFGBV and promoting harmony in the digital era.