MACRA recently committed to ending cyber bullying among the girl child by signing the “free to be online” petition which is being championed by PLAN International.
The aim of the campaign is to address various challenges the girl child is facing in the digital space specifically cyber harassment and bullying as part of the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child which is celebrated annually on the 11th of October.
Singing the petition MACRA DG Henry Shamu stated the importance of a multi stakeholders approach in dealing with challenges the girl child is facing on various digital platforms including an increase in cyber harassment and bullying.
“The surge in technological advancements has also eased access leading to an increase in online abuse and exploitation of children and young adults. Girls are 15% more likely to be the victims of various forms for cyber harassment. As a Regulator of the ICT industry we have a few initiatives to curb the cybercrimes in the country including SIM card registration exercise and establishment of mwCERT. MACRA also commemorates various international day including safer internet day, world consumer rights day and the international girls in ICT as part of raising awareness on issues of online safety. We shall continue to partner with various key stakeholders including PLAN international to ensure a safe Cyber space for all” he said.
Plan International Malawi launched the girls get equal Freedom campaign on 5th October this year and made a call to all key stakeholders and partners to ensure that the girl child is #FreeToBeOnline.
The petition which was written by the girl child calls for various digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to make their spaces safe by introducing more effective reporting channels of abuse and swift action by the sites of perpetrators on the same.
MACRA has joined the state president HE Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, first lady Madam Monica Chakwera, second lady Madam Mary Chilima and the president of the women lawyers association Tadala Chinkwezule in the fight against cyber bullying.
