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By John Kariuki
The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) has strongly condemned the circulation of degrading and sexist caricatures on social media that exploit women’s bodies for propaganda purposes. These manipulated images, which portray women in explicit and demeaning ways, are being used to criticize alleged state-linked actions, but instead of fostering constructive discourse, they perpetuate sexism and objectification.
The caricatures reduce women to objects of ridicule, disregarding their dignity, humanity, and consent. KEWOTA CEO Benter Opande delivered a scathing criticism:
“This vile act of circulating images that demean and exploit women is an attack on our dignity and humanity. Women’s bodies are not tools for political games or vendettas. Such behavior is repugnant, sexist, and completely unacceptable.”
These acts harm society by normalizing disrespect toward women and exposing young people to toxic content that fosters misogyny and objectification. KEWOTA emphasized that this behavior reflects a deep moral crisis requiring immediate intervention.
The association also called out the creators and disseminators of these caricatures, describing their actions as cowardly and malicious. By hiding behind online anonymity, they have unleashed digital violence against women, further exposing societal issues of gender-based harassment.
“It is abhorrent that in this day and age, women are still being reduced to objects of mockery and political tools. This is not freedom of expression; it’s an abuse of freedom,” Opande asserted.
KEWOTA is urging swift intervention from authorities, social media platforms, and civil society organizations to curb this form of online misogyny. The association also called for legal action against the perpetrators, highlighting the need to hold them accountable.
Moreover, KEWOTA emphasized the importance of valuing women as equal members of society rather than associating them with negativity or scapegoating them for societal frustrations.
“This behavior reflects the worst of our society. Women’s rights are human rights, and we will not stand idly by while they are trampled upon,” Opande concluded.
This is a rallying cry for all Kenyans to reject these dehumanizing practices and advocate for a society where women are respected and valued. It is time to end the normalization of sexism and digital violence. Women deserve better, and society must do better.
