FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2025
For media interviews contact
Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager
Washington, DC – Today, the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) was one of over 100 civil society organizations that endorsed the “International Women’s Day 2025: Statement Prepared by Soroptimist International and the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)” that highlights the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) to women and girls.
“Technology and in particular artificial intelligence is transforming the way things are being done exponentially. Without protections in place, women, youth, and children are vulnerable targets to abuse and exploitation in the online world,” said Sr. Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN the Women Empowerment Coordinator of the Africa Faith and Justice Network.
Many women, youth and children are often victims to gender-based violence, physical and psychological abuse, and gaslighting. There are lucrative online markets for victimizing women and children in a myriad of ways. Online stalking, gaslighting, creating deep fake pornographic images or having recordings and images of abuse made public are just a few ways that lead to a never ending cycle of victimization.
“Victim survivors of horrendous crimes should not have to relive that experience or suffer additional violence, harassment or discrimination especially on social media and other online platforms. The long-term trauma is something many women, youth, and girls around the world and in particular in Africa is something hard to grapple with” continued Sr. Madueke.
The statement calls on international governments to protect women and children from violence, harassment, and discrimination and create measures to ensure that these vulnerable populations have a voice and have the necessary support for prevention and or recovery.
“People assume that having large multinational technology companies in African nations provides economic opportunities for Africans, when in fact, many of these low-paying jobs are under employing highly skilled workers. Many consider this a new form of exploitation and slavery, requiring Africans to spend hours of the day labeling photos and videos for AI that often are highly explicit (traumatizing the workers), information that was not disclosed when they were hired” said Sr. Madueke.
- Read the statement on “International Women’s Day 2025: Statement Prepared by Soroptimist International and the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)”
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The Africa Faith and Justice Network is a faith-based, non-partisan coalition of 33 US-based religious communities of men and women. Inspired by the Gospel and informed by Catholic Social Teaching, AFJN seeks to educate and advocate for just US-Africa relations that empower Africans to be agents of their own destiny, thriving in a just and equitable society.
www.afjn.org
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Available for Interview:
Sr. Eucharia Madueke, SNDdeN
Women Empowerment Coordinator
For media interviews contact:
Lydia Andrews, Communications Manager