Introduction of TFGBV Concept #

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With the rise of digital technology and the internet, new opportunities for learning, communication, and empowerment have emerged. However, these same tools are also being misused to perpetrate violence. One growing concern is Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV); a form of abuse where digital platforms, devices, or tools are used to harm, control, exploit, or silence individuals, especially women, girls, and marginalized groups.

Learning Objectives #

By the end of this module, students and learners should be able to

• Define TFGBV
• State some forms of TFGBV
• Explain why it matters to learn about TFGBV
• What are safe spaces
• Define the Sisterhood Model and how it works to amplify impact
• Learn why to teach children, specifically teens (13-19), about TFGBV

What is TFGBV? #

TFGBV (Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence) refers to any act of gender-based violence that is carried out, assisted, or amplified through digital technology. It takes forms such as

• Cyberbullying & online harassment (targeting someone due to gender).
• Non-consensual sharing of intimate images (commonly called “revenge porn”).
• Online stalking & surveillance using tracking apps or spyware.
• Sexual exploitation and grooming through digital platforms.
• Hate speech & threats in social media, emails, or messaging apps.
• Identity theft, impersonation, or doxxing to cause harm.

Why Care about TFGBV #

• TFGBV is not “just online”; it has real-world consequences, including physical violence, trauma, reputational harm, safety risks, and silencing of victims.
• Women, girls, and gender minorities are disproportionately affected, limiting their freedom of expression and participation online.
• Addressing TFGBV is key to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering digital spaces for everyone.

Activity: #

Simple definition of TFGBV #

TFGBV: Gender-based violence that happens through technology/ digital devices and spaces, targeting people, mostly women and girls, and using online tools and spaces.

What is Gender? #

• Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, expectations, and identities that a society considers appropriate for people based on their perceived sex (male or female).
• It is different from biological sex, which is about physical characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, anatomy).

What is a Digital Device? #

Any electronic tool or machine that processes, stores, or transmits information in digital form

GBV – Gender Based Violence #

Violence perpetrated against anyone based on their gender

Safe Space Creation and Its Principles #

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Objectives of setting up a Safe space in a learning institution #

1. Promote Respectful Interaction #

Create an environment where everyone’s voice, identity, and opinions are valued.

2. Encourage Openness and Participation #

Make learners feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and expressing concerns without fear of judgment

3. Support Emotional Well-Being #

Provide a supportive space where students feel seen, heard, and cared for.

4. Build Trust and Community #

Strengthen relationships among learners, teachers, and staff through honesty, confidentiality, and fairness

5. Foster Inclusion and Belonging #

Ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, feel welcome and part of the group.

6. Encourage Responsibility and Accountability #

Help learners own their actions, learn from mistakes, and practice conflict resolution.

7. Enhance Learning and Growth #

Allow curiosity, critical thinking, and self-expression to thrive in a supportive atmosphere.

8. Protect Boundaries and Consent #

Model healthy personal and social boundaries, teaching students how to respect themselves and others.

9. Provide a Platform for Difficult Conversations #

Offer a safe setting where sensitive topics (e.g., TFGBV and GBV, SRH, diversity, mental health) can be discussed constructively.

10. Develop Life Skills #

Nurture empathy, integrity, active listening, and collaboration skills, which learners carry beyond school

Definition #

A safe space is an environment or a situation where individuals feel comfortable, supported, and respected, allowing them to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or harm

Activity: Introducing Safe Space #

1. Identify the individuals/ group who will form a safe space. (Let the number be lean for easy management)

2. Icebreaker exercise to promote bonding (5 minutes) – e.g, Mingle mingle mingle exercise

Facilitator notes: #

• Make the participants mingle freely and randomly and form groups of 3,4, or 5
• In each group, let them know each other by name, class, likes and dislikes, and where they come from.
• Let one girl from the group present what they know about any girl from the group.

3. Plenary discussion on ground rules and expectations

Facilitator notes: guide the group to come up with the ground rules, including their relationship with each other, meeting time and venue, time management, their expectations, group discipline, etc. Let them own them.

4. Establishing a confidentiality agreement

5. Setting clear expectations for respective communication

Principles of a safe space #

1. Honesty #

Being truthful and transparent in communication, even when it feels uncomfortable. This builds trust and reduces misunderstandings.

2. Accountability #

Taking responsibility for your words, actions, and their impact. Owning up to mistakes and working to repair harm if it happens.

3. Respect #

Recognizing the inherent dignity of everyone in the space. Valuing different opinions, backgrounds, and experiences without belittling or dismissing them.
Rule: Treat everyone with dignity. Avoid interrupting, dismissing, or belittling others’ contributions.

4. Integrity #

Act consistently with your values and the group’s agreements. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

5. Empathy #

Striving to understand and share the feelings of others. Listening and responding with compassion rather than judgment.

6. Trust #

Creating a reliable environment where people believe that others will uphold the shared principles. Trust allows participants to be open and vulnerable.

7. Confidentiality #

Protecting the privacy of what is shared in the space. Personal stories or sensitive information should not be repeated outside without consent.
Rule: What is shared in the space stays in the space (unless you have explicit permission to share

8. Active Listening #

Giving full attention to the speaker—listening to understand, not just to reply. This includes not interrupting and reflecting on what you’ve

9. Openness to Learning #

Being willing to hear new perspectives, unlearn harmful behaviors, and accept constructive feedback as part of personal and group growth.

10. Consent and Boundaries #

Respecting personal limits (emotional, physical, or conversational). Always seek permission before engaging in sensitive discussions, activities, or physical contact. Don’t pressure others to share more than they want.

other principles that may apply as ground rules, among other regulations, in the safe spaces #

Speak from “I” Statements – Share your own experiences, not assumptions about others. (“I feel…” instead of “You always…”).

Being Non-Judgmental – Approach others’ experiences with empathy and without shaming.

Step Up, Step Back – If you tend to speak often, make room for others. If you’re usually quiet, challenge yourself to share.

Acknowledge Impact Over Intent – Good intentions don’t erase harm. Be open to feedback if your words or actions have a negative impact on others.

Collective Responsibility – Everyone helps hold the space safe for its sustainability

Introduction To the Sisterhood Model: Structure and Management #

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The model has clear roles that create a strong, supportive, and self-sustaining ecosystem where women and girls uplift each other at different stages of growth

Core Principles of the model #

• Trust & Confidentiality – Safe space where voices are respected.
• Empowerment – Each role is designed to lift others.
• Reciprocity – Everyone gives and receives support.
• Accountability – Each sister is responsible for her own growth and that of others.
• Rituals & Practices: Weekly/ monthly check-ins (emotional, professional, personal).Quarterly skill-sharing /reflection workshops to honor growth and strengthen the bonds.
• Accountability Tools: personal Journals or buddy systems.

Components of the model #

It consists of the CBO members in charge of the institutions, mentors, sister champions, sister keepers, and the sisters

CBO members in charge of the institutions #

• Perform administrative/leadership functions
• Provide strategic direction and oversight
• Foster a partnership with the learning institution and the CBO
• Monitor and follow the safe space schedule
• Record keeping on attendance lists and reports
• Ensures model sustainability and growth

Sisterhood Mentors (Experienced guides) #

• Support the formation of safe spaces
• Offer guidance, support, and wisdom to the sisters
• Shares expertise and life experiences with the girls
• Help sisters set goals and develop plans
• Receive and confirm reports

Sisterhood Champions (trained girls) #

• Form and facilitate safe spaces in their institutions
• Provides emotional support and encouragement to other girls
• Facilitate group discussion and activities during the safe spaces
• Write reports on the safe spaces and fill the attendance registers
• Identify SGBV/TFGBV survivors and other vulnerable girls and report to the mentors

Sisterhood keepers #

• Form and facilitate safe spaces within and outside their institutions
• Provides emotional support and encouragement to other girls
• Identify SGBV/TFGBV survivors and other vulnerable girls and report to the champions or mentors

Sisterhood support network (members)-this can go beyond the institution #

• Participate in activities and discussions in the safe spaces
• Share experiences and learn from others
• Receive support and guidance from mentors, champions, and sister keepers

Why are teenagers the Main Focus of this programme #

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Why focus on teens #

• Protecting teenagers ensures safer digital communities for the next generation.
• Early intervention builds digital resilience, awareness, and respect for boundaries.
• Empowered teens become advocates of responsible technology use, breaking the cycle of online violence

Teen Vulnerability #

Teenagers are vulnerable to TFGBV because they are at a life stage of exploration, spend a lot of time online, face gendered expectations, and often lack adequate protection or a support system

1. High digital presence: #

• Teens are among the most active users of social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps, where perpetrators can easily reach them
• Their daily lives and social interactions are heavily digitized, increasing exposure to risks.

2. Developmental Formative stage of identity: #

• Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, peer validation, and identity formation. Mostly, they explore gender, sexuality, and relationships. This makes them experiment online
• Limited risk awareness-Teens may overshare information in pursuit of peer acceptance, sometimes without fully recognizing or underestimating the risks, making them targets for exploitation

3. Knowledge & skills gap: #

• Many teens are “digital natives” (tech-savvy) but lack digital literacy, privacy awareness, and coping strategies to deal with online threats.

4. Limited support systems: #

• Fear of judgment, victim-blaming, or parental restrictions may prevent teens from reporting TFGBV.
• Silence leaves them more vulnerable to continued harm (Helping Teens break the cycle of silence; EndTFGBV)
• Weak legal/social protection-there are gaps in policies addressing TFGBV among minors, leaving them unprotected

5. Psychosocial factors #

• Teens are vulnerable to grooming perpetrators, who therefore exploit teens’ curiosity, insecurities, or desire for validation
• Peer Pressure -Pressure to sext, share intimate images, or conform to online trends makes them susceptible to exploitation

6. Power dynamics and gender norms #

• Unequal gender expectations due to harmful stereotypes (boys proving masculinity through control, girls judged for appearance/sexuality)
• Girls and gender diverse teens are victims of sextortion

Key Takeaways #

Teenagers (13–19) are highly vulnerable to TFGBV because of their high online presence, developmental stage, and lack of protective coping mechanisms. Focusing on them helps prevent long-term harm and builds a foundation for safer digital citizenship for the next generation

Activity: Discovery Questions #

• Get feedback from the learners on who has used digital devices.
• Why do they use digital devices?
• How do they use digital devices?
• If something happens to their digital device or they need help, who do they seek help from? Parents, Guardians, Peers, etc
• What are the best experiences they have had using their digital devices
• What are the worst experiences they have had using their devices