---
title: Lucia Ayiela on Digital Activism and Gender-Based Violence in the Horn of Africa
date: 2025-10-02T12:35:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/lucia-ayiela-on-digital-activism-and-gender-based-violence-in-the-horn-of-africa"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Lucia Ayiela on Digital Activism and Gender-Based Violence in the Horn of Africa

Digital activism can be a powerful way to push for change. However, there are risks when speaking out online. In this podcast episode, Kenyan digital activist Lucia Ayiela talks about how she came to use social media to advocate against gender-based violence.

Ayiela first became a digital activist when she posted about police in Kenya brutalizing young people on Twitter/X. Since then, she has used social media to combat misinformation and speak out against injustices. As a survivor, she brings attention to gender-based violence and the ways that her culture has been shaped by patriarchy.

Throughout the episode, Ayiela offers guidance for other digital activists. It is important that digital activists have a community of support. For her, this includes a therapist and other strong women activists and advocates. She also addresses the importance of self-care and steps activists can take to protect themselves and their families.

> We need to find common ground of how digital activism can push offline activism and advocacy. They go hand-in-hand. Once we find that common ground, then moving is going to be easy. Once we come to a place where we have the masses protesting on the streets and our keyboard warriors doing their thing in online spaces, that will be a great day.

[Listen to the episode ](https://genderit.org/feminist-talk/podcast-stories-resilience-daughters-horn-using-digital-spaces-activism)

SOURCE: GenderIT.org: Feminist Reflections on Internet Policies • AUTHOR: Cecilia Mwende Maundu • LAST UPDATED: January 17, 2023

![The podcast logo which consists of Black women protesting and a map of the horn of Africa. At the top are the words "Stories of Resilience."](data:image/png;base64,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) Illustration by Phoebe Ouma for GenderIT

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ ending gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/ending-gender-based-violence)
- [ technology & gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/technology-gender-based-violence)
- [ communities of color & experiences of violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/communities-of-color-experiences-of-violence)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)
- [activism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/activism)
- [social media](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/social-media)
- [patriarchy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/patriarchy)
- [sexism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexism)
- [violence against women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/violence-against-women)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesListen

## The Effect of Violence Against Women Online

On this podcast, sociologist Sarah Sobeiraj discusses online attacks against women, including who is most vulnerable to this form of abuse, the many ways it may affect us, and what we can do to address it.

![A woman sits across from an open laptop looking scared and concerned](data:image/png;base64,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)

On this podcast, sociologist Sarah Sobeiraj discusses online attacks against women, including who is most vulnerable to this form of abuse, the many ways it may affect us, and what we can do to address it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-effect-of-violence-against-women-online)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Learning How to Use Social Media Appropriately for Activism

MB talks about how helpful social media can be for activism, at the same time that it has potential drawbacks.

![Marley](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB talks about how helpful social media can be for activism, at the same time that it has potential drawbacks.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-how-to-use-social-media-appropriately-for-activism)

[ResourcesRead

## United Nations Resources on Digital Violence

UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) initiatives address digital violence in different countries. This interactive resource includes a glossary of key concepts, calls to action, programs, research, and informational materials.

![A woman sits balled up in a corner away from her phone](data:image/png;base64,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)

UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) initiatives address digital violence in different countries. This interactive resource includes a glossary of key concepts, calls to action, programs, research, and informational materials.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/united-nations-resources-on-digital-violence)

[ResourcesRead

## Navigating Online Abuse

The Online Harrassment Field Manual helps users understand online abuse and develop concrete strategies to prepare for, avoid, and respond to it.

![firmbee-com-SpVHcbuKi6E](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Online Harrassment Field Manual helps users understand online abuse and develop concrete strategies to prepare for, avoid, and respond to it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/contending-with-online-abuse)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFx0lEQVRIiV1WTY/kSBF9Eenq7tlZ0IK4gMSB//97OHJCaEewYqenuuzM+HiPg929I1JWqsrleh8R4ciwv3/ZJZGq7qyOzLVyRcy55lprzrVmrlkxO6dqoZYxjWVqEyFIoJzykhdHyYte8pa3bMP/LQGAJF27AAnSiSR9PPP9svfdvvtNEoBNAs5/C7oW33eKJCkSpPTBIbvgDCaD8fyqcz8RdXJtJzIuwe/Av63+uMSGaDrR5YCZmSA7b5jeTZgEETII23faL73sJru7uurc2cUusY1tookOuNnJIZkBsPOOHDARBGgSNp3Wr0iQbHZ3VVdVZWVWRWWwEpXOhtogNwzA7YQ20swgA4GSjDQCDRHbFZZ39O7uPqGjMjKjIipDGdZpKoBucsMwG2anA3cAINGQSyaipRaoTeR70C/tVVWVmRG5ImbE7JiocKaJcJmby4bbsPOjkYCJpgG5aGwjURS5kZRE9onfXafwiBVrxjpiHR3TKjb1MGGYwYePAdvM3E0yOiBspoJcbSxUoVrNjU1JbJ75rMzMzFgRc61jziPnzpjeaSAHgGF2c/kATge4HJDAAF3tXehUlaq37pbUV9W8ByfWWnPNY85HHrtybkw33DYXbuZuGo4rDYDRIMOAXHK2MVGBDGZt7Cb1m/yIfEc/5uPYHznfkPOJPYZRNzjA4docei8kMxMBhwZoanSil3IpcqsqSR9FmZmn/Dn343jsxz2Pu+eUuN1G44XDcLuZeJb8eG8MDjhkamdZJ2opD0VsXUXqAz1jRaw15zH3fX/sj3scryMnjM/9RJNuA/0Mnq/01TMA+FU/BAtM1EIeirlVFsX37EZErDXXOo5j3/f72+M19q+33MdA8ocazucndYF9cUhmZ3ugiXaWUMflIPctM0RlXdGPWGutOY/j2N/2t2+Pr/H2y0vdb7eR+KmfbsxP6hQbJEhzAoar+RBssNCJmqpdcd8qkuJJcOpfax5z7vNx3++/vv0a93/+WF9enj+H/61efugKVqlL7LMBmNlJdqKrCx3qpdyV9y1iScrKiBVrXRlex+PYX/f7z2//+fb65a+FHz8/4vZLxU+d0Z1n+yObdDcTKdb7lepUL/Su+rpFrDNEccVnrrWOOR/z+GW/f73/A7/iX4k/CvnpS8VfuqIrz0bLLprJTORF2ae5UC/1jv73FmtJjMxY15prHmve5/Hzccc34GcUsG9Yv0fmrIyurJNjpAFmLvLi6zwvMcRDzC3WJJmVa81T/lrrWOt1ThwPvF5lfv+G+BMy51nOVVkVNQYANyPZlV3BTjLJFFOaELY1D4qZteIkmHOtI9Z/IrAOfL0I/rtjJbIiK95fmhg+IJq5xLPNdJ3yiyogYdjmPCRm1RWeWDNij3hkIurjBJ9ANKIqsyIzMm55G+Ziu18hqorq6M5mSS1A/uHgJJhzrjUj9iwk0R+NAAAmka2oyorMFbG5Qbq5maTuqlxV0Z1kE5INOLY5d5LVPeNysDIeWWhBT98TLCFo2R2ZK2Mbm5vU5e6S2JUVVVFdvOTfMHybxy4pu1bkXGtFzMzXJmTwF7wYpgDgMw7D4ljVURm5bsMN5DaGO6Rmn5lvZpMC4E8Yf9jW3Cll98w8EzCz3i6CZ3z+M/ILjPiEw38MbdFcmc+xNoepxXEe/eQ5hkR3UaS57Anj8zbn6YCrakVExqwGBQxsz/j0O2AAC8+6+y20BRWVK31zmYo9hpsBejfRLIKCwW+AbWsdkoqM6ohamasbBOAYNzx9Agbwgq3DLTSylVVZCGvThuH0c7ZQi93s8xA2l28G3zImpaKiOqqza5IQYA6/4SbAgQ2j4UwgqezKYlo5htHo13xEoa+JE4LDDK4tc0lIqppVzO74jWBg3CAADit4J1hSsau6zAbMZXJzd8AIaxllAmQGMwBbVwloqltNNhXnCA2DO9wxNuiabBuiPsZVkGgzg0lu5oQLLrngwEXwP47iyZPjxByDAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACRUlEQVRIiY1WSZIkIQyTCM7Tp/7/T9EcAFsGpmoyMrJpFknecPH3zw8AXm+7ZiD4o/2d77CxoBh3vB7+z6yem2LrWn4Q0AYpv+ILIKEvNMD0BO1sYH14C9meuowmQJoFBDA1fQM9odYZPW1hd8mT84PwB3T4+x8uKzG4s6i5BbTTgva8NgcJiQdHf6InB9HWKkMsAe24SXNSiaLgvSxwmkaeFphYHGY5KDMsSWBhJIHG4iVfivo6hFNQsCdHcRFvRzWAIF85CICaSaHlGBMef/ud02SMyaNMivyi1GJbONo7eyv6/jcEWOpuci0XzCsoa6a98IEiOqwqAU94ZmDMSs6ZhmuNAUdE6eXorDrKx7Y0OZqu4vt2fQGADtWELMEMkx2P2SMXFwTqHnBdP/dBH58WuJDyVUG5t90vouE8FzTvR57qhq0+casz1G8JA5pxHkCDRhSwlutrm5Q1S1UCAXgQaB0jgSFwpQZhqscD/USYJiTBOO+JxcEMcNE+zF1DGEV+dp+uPMnYzQWpti8czyInGEjoYehJMIUPABDjylMizrsMwqyjyqGx5C/0IR3Z1T1JhmWNRPGoXGXmEAOQiq/cSyuxha5dUMcjaHarfZuy5ILSJ+mlkrgrzGnBKOjZv/ZdoyMM1e/+y07hooyBgLY5wqZh/iH2UZ4cte52hHch9OimY98uqb200ogDVz5ciW/ez6dHgkCJqxc6U1ZWNbb84KsE6ip8GYCAjpSlbTCi93eTWtN3nnAUojNdndmPHAP/FfkX2vzAGfoFHPQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.

![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.

![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles)