New Arenas of Repression: Examining the Dynamics of Digital Violence and Its Impact on Women’s Political Participation in Sudan

This study examines the phenomenon of online gender-based violence, particularly on social media platforms, against women political activists in Sudan. The core issue explored is the impact of this violence on the activists' personal and social lives, psychological well-being, and their active participation in the public sphere. The study aims to understand the nature, motives, and forms of digital violence, explore strategies employed by women activists to cope, and propose solutions and recommendations to raise awareness about protection methods and mitigate risks. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical methodology, based on in-depth interviews with influential women engaged in political, human rights, and humanitarian fields. Findings reveal that while activists utilize digital platforms to express their views and highlight women's issues, especially in the context of the ongoing war, they are simultaneously subjected to various forms of online violence. These include harassment, bullying, death or rape threats, verbal abuse, non-consensual sharing of sexual content, and defamation. Such practices restrict women's political roles, silence their voices, and weaken their participation in public life. Furthermore, digital violence has severe psychological consequences, notably anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of safety. To counter this phenomenon, the study recommends a series of solutions. Chief among these are: raising women's awareness of digital protection mechanisms, strengthening solidarity among them to provide support to those affected by violence, and empowering civil society organizations to play a greater role in offering legal protection and psychological support to victims.