You’ve probably heard a lot about sex tapes. A moment of consensual intimacy between couples. Followed with an illegal exposure of privacy on the web. And finally, a guilt-ridden ostracized victim.
Although Ladies In Media recognizes the immense benefits of technology, we are alarmed by the increasing evils being perpetrated in the digital space. Technology and virtual spaces are awesome because you end up with some wholesome benefits. But just like everything else, there are some cons to the pros, such as revenge porn.
This act of ‘sextortion’ is often used as a means to blackmail victims or to force them to continue a relationship they do not want. Sometimes this action is used to tarnish the victim’s reputation or hard-earned image. Unfortunately, most victims of revenge porn happen to be women.
The Digital Violence Awareness Campaign is an initiative rolled out by the Ladies in Media Network to empower women to speak up against the violence of any form. The initiative also serves to inspire women through highlighting struggles, vulnerability, and stories of great achievers in the media space.
The maiden edition which took place on the premise of Gh Media School on 15 March 2019, saw great speakers including Adu Safowaah ( a pan-Africa youth empowerment ambassador and Ms. Cassie Xu (the China Africa relation executive) holding court with the students. They implored students to take advantage of technology to improve upon their skill set, both academically and professionally. And in doing so be mindful of sharing nude pics/movies even with trusted friends or partners.
On 2nd April 2019, the campaign moved to the Multimedia Institute of Ghana with esteem media personalities, Vanessa Gyan and Mrs. Roselyn Felli together with Madam Shika Quaye, CEO of Naaviq Company limited as guest speakers.
They also touched on the hunting effects of sharing nude photos online. Sharing her experience, Vanessa Gyan said social media has been very instrumental in building her brand and business. She, therefore, pleaded with the students to take advantage of the numerous benefits of being online.
Popular MzGee of the multimedia group had a few words to share with students on the third leg of the campaign. Together with Mz Debbie and Ms. Charity Bartels of Information Ministry shared some pearls of wisdom with the students on how to comport themselves online, at the Crystal Galaxy College on 16th May 2019.
The Digital Violence awareness Campaign was finally brought to its climax at Knutsford UniversityCollege with special guests such as Diana Hopeson, Sophia Lissa (Head of Communication; Jospong group), and Rev. Dr. Comfort Asante (from Ministry of Gender). In her closing remarks, Ms. Magaret Akua Baiden, president of Ladies in Media, appealed to the Gender Ministry and Cyber Crime Unit of the Ghana police service to carry out education on digital violence whiles criminalizing revenge pornography on social media.
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