By Shudufhadzo Musida, Miss South Africa 2020 and Regional Champion for UNFPA East and Southern Africa, to commemorate World Mental Health Day
"Mental health is vital to humanity, allowing us to lead fulfilling lives and contribute fully to our communities."
The digital era has resulted in extraordinary changes in the way we live, work, and communicate with one another. In East and Southern Africa where the digital revolution is gaining traction, these technological shifts are both encouraging and harmful for our young women and girls' mental health.Technology provides immense information and personal growth chances, allowing these brilliant minds to overcome limitations, and make important contributions to their communities.
I think of the story of a young Kenyan girl, who experienced her period for the first time at school and was ridiculed not only by her peers but also by her teacher. In that space, she felt as if her only option was taking her own life. I can only imagine how detached from yourself you must feel, to think that taking your own life is the only way.
As we traverse this new digital world, it is critical to ensure the safety of our young women and girls online. This requires coordination among governments, civic society, and technology corporations while respecting their rights to privacy and freedom of speech.
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