Janet Mbugua calls out rising online gender-based violence
Media personality Janet Mbugua has raised concerns over the increasing cases of online gender-based violence, warning that what many consider jokes or banter can have real harm.
In an Instagram statement on Sunday, November 16, 2025, Mbugua highlighted how mocking or laughing at someone’s pain online has become normalised and said this trend affects women, men, and young people in serious ways.
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Mbugua said that the rise of technology has made it easier for people to carry out gender-based violence online. She said that society cannot ignore the impact of online cruelty, even when it is masked as entertainment. She urged people to be more conscious of their actions on social media and to consider the harm their posts may cause.
Choosing empathy over cruelty
Janet Mbugua said, “Sometimes I wonder when we decided that mocking people online counts as entertainment.”
“How did laughing at someone’s pain become ‘just jokes’? A lot of what we call banter is cruelty, and with technology-facilitated gender-based violence rising, we cannot pretend it is harmless. It touches women, men, and young people in ways we rarely talk about.”
She suggested that small changes can make a difference, starting with individuals thinking twice before posting content online.
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“Maybe the shift begins with something small. A pause before we post, a moment to choose empathy over noise,” she said.
Mbugua stressed that even small acts of consideration can help curb the spread of online harm and protect vulnerable people.
Mbugua also encouraged victims of online harassment or abuse to seek help.
She said, “And if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of online harm, reach out to someone you trust or a digital safety organisation that can help you document, report, or talk through it. No one should face that alone.”
Her advice shows the importance of support systems and reporting mechanisms in tackling online gender-based violence.
The comments by Janet Mbugua come at a time when online abuse and harassment are becoming increasingly common, prompting calls for greater awareness and responsibility on social media platforms.
