She and her colleagues use social media to advocate for gender equality online by challenging gender norms and attitudes towards women in Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation. "My colleagues and I have received threats online that have become increasingly violent, especially after we engaged in social media activism regarding women's rights," Betelehem told AFP. Since then, her social media and email accounts have been hacked and private information, including photos and her home address, stolen and shared online. The CIR said that with over 80 languages spoken in Ethiopia, social media companies lack the resources and staff to keep on top of abusive posts. "Government and social media companies must act urgently on this," she said.

Source: Ethiopian News May 24, 2024 09:04 UTC