Cyberbullying, hateful online attacks , doxxing… Digital violence against women is on the rise globally, and Morocco is no exception. To raise public awareness and engage institutional stakeholders, a feminist collective has launched the very first Web2.0 campaign on this issue. Here are the details.
Mamhkoumch (Out of Control) is the name of a digital campaign addressing online violence against women, launched on November 25 and running until December 10. Spearheaded by several feminist organizations, including ADFM, Médias et Culture, Kif Mama Kif Baba, and Jat w Jabt – Génération Libre, the initiative is part of the broader “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign led by the United Nations. Its objective? To prevent digital tools, meant to advance society, from becoming weapons of oppression and domination, primarily targeting women and young girls.
Spotlight on a widespread phenomenon
The primary aim is to raise awareness among Moroccan internet users and decision-makers about the scourge of digital violence against women. According to figures from the High Commission for Planning (HCP), this type of violence accounts for 19% of all violence against women in Morocco. Among girls aged 15 to 19, this number jumps to 34%.
The Mamhkoumch campaign primarily uses Instagram to disseminate its content, as this platform, alongside TikTok, is one of the leading spaces for online violence and misogyny, especially among teenagers.
In 2021, a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed that Instagram executives were fully aware of the platform’s negative impact on one in three teenage girls. While algorithms play a role, user behavior also significantly contributes to the issue. Social media platforms, after all, mirror societal trends and their darker sides.
Naming the problem to tackle It
To combat digital violence against women, it’s essential to identify and name it. This is precisely what the Mamhkoumch campaign seeks to do.
These acts include hacking, predation, sexist insults, cyberbullying, revenge porn, online defamation, and sextortion. Doxxing—revealing personal details about someone’s identity and private life online to harm them—is also highlighted.
Another powerful aspect of the campaign is its eight video clips, featuring Moroccan personalities who share their experiences of digital violence. The goal is to encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for exchange and support.
As the campaign’s organizers note, “Technological violence is not confined to the virtual world. It has serious repercussions on women’s mental health, physical safety, economic opportunities, and public participation. By raising awareness about the consequences, such as trauma, isolation, self-censorship, and job loss, we emphasize the urgency of action and the need to protect survivors.”
Action for protection
Ultimately, the campaign is a call to action, urging institutional and political leaders to address the issue. According to Ghizlane Mamouni, a lawyer and co-founder of Kif Mama Kif Baba, “The measures in place for victims remain insufficient.”
While moderation policies on platforms are now nearly non-existent (thanks, Elon Musk), governments can still act at their level. Digital citizenship education is crucial, as is expanding support services for victims. However, combating digital violence against women also requires evolving the legal and judicial framework.
Many feminists argue that revising Law 103-13 on violence against women should be a priority. This revision would include specific provisions addressing gender-based violence facilitated by new technologies. Certain sections of the Penal Code are also under scrutiny—particularly Article 490, which criminalizes sexual relations outside marriage.
In 2021, a young woman in Tetouan was sentenced to one month in prison under this law after falling victim to revenge porn. Clearly, there’s still a long way to go.
