In the wake of the Foire Africaine, an event celebrating diversity, intercultural dialogue and living together, our association was confronted with a phenomenon we couldn’t ignore: a sudden and targeted rise in hate speech on social networks. While the Fair’s message was one of openness and unity, the digital space was transformed into a terrain of hostility, where insulting comments, unfounded accusations and discriminatory remarks were heaped upon insulting comments, unfounded accusations and discriminatory remarks. This discrepancy between the spirit of the event and the violence of online reactions reveals how quickly hatred can spread when diversity and inclusion are disturbing.
An analysis of these comments reveals a particularly worrying fact: the majority of attacks were aimed at women. Whether members of our team or volunteers mobilized during the Fair, they were the first to be exposed to sexist criticism, malicious comments and attempts at personal denigration. Their commitment, their visibility within the organization and their central role within our association were enough to trigger violent reactions, often tinged with misogyny. This experience was a powerful illustration that, in digital spaces, women remain the prime targets of hate speech.
It is precisely this observation that gives particular resonance to the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. This international campaign, which each year calls for action against all forms of violence against women, now encompasses the reality of online violence. It’s not just a few words typed behind a screen: it shakes, it affects, it intimidates. It seeks to discredit those who speak out, to reduce their presence in the public arena, to weaken their confidence and commitment. What we experienced after the Foire Africaine is not an isolated episode; it is the digital expression of a global pattern in which women remain at the forefront of attacks when they commit themselves to a cause or occupy a visible role.
Faced with this wave of hatred, our reaction was not anger, but lucidity and determination. Lucidity, because it was necessary to clearly name this violence, understand its mechanisms and measure its impact. Determination, because the attacks we have suffered can in no way hinder our mission or silence those who carry it out. On the contrary, they reinforce our conviction that living together, solidarity and human dignity must be defended with even greater force.
On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism, we would like to remind everyone that the fight against gender-based violence is also about protecting women in digital spaces. What we’ve been through demonstrates the urgency of acting collectively to create online environments where respect prevails over hate, where diversity is celebrated, and where women can express themselves without fear of being attacked because of their gender. The Foire Africaine was a space for meeting, sharing and humanity; our digital platforms must be able to embody the same values.
Today, more than ever, we remain true to our commitment. Alongside the women in our team and all those working for a fairer society, we will continue to advance, to denounce violence, to protect, to raise awareness and to defend living together, in the streets and on the networks. Our response to hatred will always be more solidarity, more dialogue and more humanity.
