In a digital age where activism thrives and movements amplify voices long silenced, there’s a darker side that often goes unspoken—a backlash that aims to intimidate, discredit, and silence those fighting for justice. A recent investigation by AFP Fact Check reveals the harsh reality Ethiopian feminists are facing as they combat gender-based violence: an onslaught of online attacks that go beyond words, leaving lasting scars on their mental and emotional well-being.
This is no ordinary disagreement on ideas or policy. This is calculated cruelty—cyber harassment, death threats, doxxing, and misogynistic trolling—all designed to make activism feel not just difficult, but dangerous. Ethiopian feminists, many of whom have been at the forefront of addressing GBV, are finding themselves targets of a coordinated backlash aimed at dismantling their credibility and discouraging their advocacy.
The online space should be a platform for dialogue and justice, but for these brave feminists, it has turned into a battlefield. What makes this backlash especially alarming is its intent. It seeks to punish women for speaking out about violence and inequality—a grim reminder that the fight for gender justice is far from over.
This isn’t just a “digital problem.” The trauma of being relentlessly attacked online spills into the offline world, disrupting their lives and work. Many report sleepless nights, heightened anxiety, and a sense of isolation. Activists who were once filled with hope and determination now find themselves questioning whether their sacrifices are worth the unrelenting abuse.
Ethiopian feminists aren’t alone. Across the world, human rights defenders are facing a backlash that is both systematic and brutal. From whistleblowers in South America to LGBTQIA+ activists in Eastern Europe, and women’s rights advocates across Africa, the message from anti-rights movements is clear: “Stop or we’ll make you.”
This isn’t new. History is filled with stories of resistance met with retaliation. Feminist icons like South Africa’s Charlotte Maxeke, Nigeria’s Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and India’s Savitribai Phule faced ostracism and threats for challenging patriarchy. Yet they persisted, planting seeds of justice that continue to bear fruit today.
But what sets this current backlash apart is its scale and technological sophistication. Social media has become a double-edged sword—offering tools for mobilization while also enabling unprecedented levels of abuse. Algorithms amplify hate, bots spread misinformation, and platforms often fail to act swiftly enough to protect those under attack.
The consequences of this backlash are devastating—not just for individual activists but for society as a whole. When human rights defenders are silenced, entire communities lose their voices. Issues like GBV, child marriage, and reproductive rights remain unchallenged, and progress is rolled back.
But there is also something else to consider: the personal cost. Activists are not just symbols of resistance; they are people with families, friends, and vulnerabilities. The Ethiopian feminists enduring these attacks are mothers, sisters, daughters, and community leaders. When their safety is compromised, the ripple effect is felt far beyond their immediate circles.
So, what can we do? First, we must name and shame these backlashes for what they are: an assault on human rights and a threat to democracy. Second, platforms like Facebook, Twitter (or X), and Instagram must be held accountable for enabling hate speech and harassment. Activists should not have to choose between advocating for justice and preserving their mental health.
Finally, solidarity is crucial. The courage of Ethiopian feminists—and countless others facing similar challenges—deserves global recognition and support. Amplify their voices, share their stories, and demand accountability from governments and corporations alike.
Human rights defenders are the lifeblood of progress. Without them, our world would be darker, crueler, and less just. Let us not only admire their courage but actively fight alongside them. Because the fight for their safety and dignity is ultimately the fight for all of us.
The backlash is real, but so is our collective power to push back. Let’s use it.
