By Edwin Wanjawa and Dommie Yambo-Odotte
Women with disabilities in Kenya are facing a growing wave of digital threats, including online scams, abuse, and exploitation. This is an emerging crisis that experts warn is being intensified by persistent barriers in digital accessibility.
While the Internet has become central to communication, economic activity, and social engagement, women with visual, hearing, physical, or intellectual disabilities often navigate this space with far fewer protections. With many digital platforms lacking assistive features such as screen-reader compatibility, captioning, or simplified interfaces, these women are left more exposed to fraudsters and online predators who deliberately target vulnerable users.
Advocates say that scammers frequently use deceptive tactics—posing as online lovers, helpers, recruiters, or financial benefactors—to take advantage of women who may rely more heavily on digital communication due to mobility or social barriers. Cases of cyberbullying, impersonation, privacy violations, and sexual exploitation continue to rise, yet many incidents go unreported.
One of the biggest challenges remains the inaccessibility of reporting systems. Online abuse reporting forms are often incompatible with assistive devices. Helplines rarely provide sign-language support. Police stations lack disability-aware protocols, making it difficult for survivors to lodge complaints or follow through with cases.
Digital rights analysts argue that this digital exclusion not only silences victims but also reinforces the broader marginalisation of women with disabilities in society.
As a media and civic engagement organisation, Development Through Media (DTM) is pushing for urgent reforms. For example it is advocating for accessible digital platforms designed with universal access in mind. These platforms need to be made usable by those who rely on screen readers, sign language, or simplified navigation. DTM is also set to rally stakeholders to invest in awareness campaigns that equip women with disabilities with digital literacy and reporting tools.
“Safety begins with access,” DTM notes in its statement on the 16 Days of Activism campaign. “If reporting systems are not accessible, then justice remains out of reach.”
As Kenya deepens its digital transformation agenda, inclusion remains a critical benchmark. For women with disabilities, accessible technology is not a luxury—it is a lifeline, and one that is urgently overdue.
Edwin Wanjawa is the Programmes Associate, DTM and Dommie Yambo-
Odotte is the Executive Director and Producer, DTM
