Influence of Facebook and WhatsApp on Gender-Based Violence Prevention Projects among Adolescents in Kicukiro District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5466Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention requires communication that improves awareness, supports respectful attitudes, and connects adolescents with appropriate services. This study examined adolescents’ perceptions of the contribution of Facebook and WhatsApp to GBV prevention projects in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Cultivation Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Feminist Media Theory informed the study. A mixed-methods, cross-sectional design was reported, involving 399 adolescents aged 13–19 years. Questionnaires and interviews provided primary data. This article presents descriptive findings on respondents’ gender and four communication-related statements. Female respondents accounted for 56.9% of the sample, while male respondents represented 43.1%. Mean scores ranged from 4.76 to 4.95, with standard deviations ranging from 0.219 to 0.534. Respondents expressed favourable perceptions of the platforms’ contributions to recognising the seriousness of GBV, discussing violence, speaking out, and shaping attitudes towards survivors. These findings describe perceived communication benefits; they do not establish reduced violence or demonstrate causal effects. The study concludes that Facebook and WhatsApp offer potential channels for adolescent engagement within broader GBV prevention programmes. Project managers should combine accessible messages with responsible moderation, privacy protection, digital literacy, and clear referral arrangements. Future evaluations should distinguish online participation from changes in knowledge, attitudes, help-seeking, and experiences of violence.
Keywords: Social networking sites, Facebook, WhatsApp, gender-based violence prevention, adolescents.
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