As the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence kicks off, Ms. Esther Birungi shares her personal journey of confronting digital violence. After facing online bullying, she opens up about how she reclaimed her voice and online freedom.
Below is her full story;
“My name is Esther Birungi, and I am the Executive Director of Birungi Charities, an organization focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights with a strong emphasis on digital advocacy. This year,as the 16 Days of Activism kick off under the theme of ending digital violence against all women and girls,this topic hits very close to home for me.
I have personally experienced digital harm—intimate and personal details of my life were shared online by someone I trusted. Some of it was true,some false but regardless,my name was tarnished. I faced harassment and a complete loss of freedom to express myself online. Every post,picture or comment attracted scrutiny and judgment. This happened while I was just starting law school and the experience was so intense that I even contemplated suicide and dropping out.
I was young,ambitious and trying to build my path,yet I felt trapped by the weight of public opinion. Friends,relatives,classmates, even strangers seemed to define me by someone else’s actions and narratives.But I refused to let this define me. I took back my voice,stood up to my bullies,and put my crown back in place.
As we observe the 16 Days of Activism,I want everyone to know: your voice matters. You matter. What people say about you online does not define you. This observance is a reminder to stand against all forms of violence against women and girls not just for these 16 days,but every day, for the rest of our lives. Together,we can reclaim digital spaces,support survivors and ensure that every woman and girl has the freedom to live and express herself safely.”
Ms. Birungi’s story is a powerful reminder that digital spaces should be safe for everyone especially women and girls who are often vulnerable to online abuse. Her resilience inspires action,urging communities to stand against online abuse and champion respect, dignity and justice for all.
