16 Days of Activism is a unique time for us all to reflect, learn and stand up against gender-based violence, particularly in digital spaces. Technology-facilitated gender based violence refers to acts against women and girls that are committed, assisted or amplified by digital tools, communication platforms or technologies. This violence has many different forms include cyberbullying, online harassment, abuse of personal and intimate images, online grooming and exploitation, and sharing hateful information. (UNWomen)
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to these types of violence. It is estimated that 16 to 58 per cent of women worldwide have experienced technology-facilitated gender-based violence. (UNWomen) Some groups face greater risk to this type of violence, particularly young women and girls, women and girls that already face multiple forms of discrimination, and women participating in political or public life.
This year’s theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls” call for all of us to advocate for safer online spaces for women and girls and end this type of violence. Below are six actions each of us can take to stand up against technology-facilitated gender-based violence (GBV).
Take time to understand the many ways technology can be used to facilitate violence. Here are some resources to help start your learning journey:
It can be incredibly difficult for women and girls to share or report experiences of gender-based violence, especially online experiences. For women who have experienced online abuse, they report threats to their physical safety, increased anxiety and panic, and a decrease in self-confidence, making it all that harder to share their story. (Canadian Women’s Foundation) As an advocate, one of the most powerful things you can do is listen, believe, and support women and girls who have experienced this kind of violence.
Technology-facilitated GBV is a spectrum. Women and girls may experience online and in person violence, or experience revictimization, as harmful content can be spread and reshared on digital channels. Creating support systems that are there for women and girls every step of their journey is key. Encourage peer groups, mentorship circles, or digital safety communities that center women’s voices and needs.
Be a champion and voice that calls for online safety. This can look like sharing knowledge on the harms of this type of violence, and the rights of women and girls in the online space. Consider hosting awareness sessions, sharing online safety tips, or modeling responsible behavior in your own online presence.
Safety by Design is a framework that centers the safety of users in the development and application of technology. For community programs leveraging technology, reflect and plan for user safety to limit the potential for harm to women and girls.
In many countries, the laws and legal protections are often not up to date or strong enough to offer protection. This can make it increasingly difficult for women and girls to come forward and pursue legal action. Take time to research the current laws for online space and how this might present barriers for women and girls. Advocate for laws, policies, and accountability mechanisms that protect women and girls in digital spaces.
Each action is an important step to making the digital world safer for women and girls. As technology emerges and change, there are new ways in which we need to centre the safety of women and girls online. Starting with this 16 Days, let’s stand together and creating safe online spaces for women and girls.
