As part of this year’s international 16 Days of Activism campaign, under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” Zonta Bahamas partnered with the University of The Bahamas to host a public symposium examining how technology-facilitated abuse is shaping modern life and amplifying existing forms of gender-based violence. Held at the Harry C Moore Library, the session brought together a distinguished panel of academics and advocates to explore the social, psychological, and institutional challenges presented by digital harm.
UB President Dr Robert Blaine delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the responsibility of educational institutions and civic organizations to help communities understand the evolving risks that accompany digital engagement. He noted that for many people – including, but not limited to, young adults – the online world is now deeply intertwined with their social environment, making it essential to address how harassment, intimidation, non-consensual image sharing, cyberstalking, impersonation, and coordinated online abuse affect safety, mental health, and everyday life. Dr Blaine also acknowledged that young persons in university settings face particular vulnerabilities, underscoring the importance of early awareness and informed digital practices.
Panelists Dr Nikechia Hall-Dennis, Dr Victoria Kelly, Elaine Sands, Phillipa Dean, and Alicia Wallace expanded the conversation by highlighting how digital violence mirrors longstanding patterns of coercion and manipulation while introducing new concerns tied to anonymity, the rapid spread of information, and the permanence of online content. They stressed that digital abuse affects people across all age groups and backgrounds, making broad public education essential. The discussion emphasized the need for digital literacy, supportive community networks, and ongoing advocacy to help women and girls recognize warning signs and protect themselves in online spaces.
To ensure wider access, Zonta Bahamas also hosted a public webinar, which explored domestic violence as part of the broader continuum of harm that women and girls face. Moderated by Dr Denotrah Archer-Cartwright, the session featured Detective Tiffany Fernander of the RBPF Cyber Crime Unit, Dr Sean Knowles, and Dr Paul A Scavella. Although oriented around domestic violence, the webinar underscored how increasingly, digital abuse intersects with intimate partner violence – through monitoring, threats made via digital platforms, unauthorized access to personal accounts, or the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The panel highlighted the ways technology is now used to extend control, heighten intimidation, and destabilize victims, reinforcing that digital violence is not separate from physical or emotional abuse, but often a deeply entangled component of it.
Together, the symposium and webinar are part of Zonta’s cohesive educational initiative, this year focusing on digital violence as one of the most pervasive threats facing women and girls today. Both sessions emphasized that online harm is part of the wider spectrum of gender-based violence – interacting with emotional, economic, psychological, and physical abuse – and must be addressed with equal seriousness.
Speakers also reaffirmed Zonta’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable communities are not overlooked. Effective advocacy, they noted, must be inclusive and responsive to the differing risks faced by marginalized groups both online and offline. To conclude this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, Zonta Bahamas, in partnership with the National Disabilities Commission, will host the “Say No to Violence Vulnerable Population Forum” on Friday, December 12, at 10am in the Hearing Room at the Department of Physical Planning on JFK Drive. The session will address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities and explore strategies for strengthening protection, access, and support within this community. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and take part in the conversation as Zonta continues its mission to end violence in all its forms.
