The contemporary digital era has brought with it a plethora of opportunities and challenges for women, particularly in the pursuit of gender equality. While technology has provided a platform for female voices to resonate on a global scale, it has also ushered in a disconcerting trend of gender-based violence in the online sphere. The confluence of technology, gender, and violence, especially against women, has burgeoned into a pressing concern that necessitates immediate attention and action.
A recent report by Plan International unveiled that 87% of girls and young women in 26 countries have felt the adverse effects of misinformation and disinformation online, resulting in a decline in their confidence to express their views on digital platforms. This has had severe ramifications on their mental and psychological well-being, privacy, and digital security. The issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) has impacted women from various strata of society, ranging from high-profile politicians and activists to ordinary individuals.
One poignant example is the relentless online abuse encountered by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, despite her widely applauded management of diverse crises with resilience and empathy. Journalist Mwende Maundu also shed light on the disconcerting trend of women being coerced off online platforms due to online harassment, reminiscent of an encroachment on their fundamental right to access information. The disquieting statistics reveal that 73% of women journalists have fallen victim to online violence, underscoring the pervasive nature of TFGBV.
The narrative of Seyi Akiwowo, the founder of Glitch in the UK, further underscores the imperative of an intersectional approach to address the compounded impacts of race and gender in online abuse, particularly affecting Black women. Additionally, Nighat Dad, a human rights lawyer in Pakistan, brings to the forefront the online threats faced by women’s rights defenders in the digital space, underscoring the urgency for concerted actions and a holistic approach to ensure online safety for women.
The distressing account of Nina Jane Patel, encountering sexual harassment in the virtual reality (VR) space, also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize ethics and safety in the design of emerging technologies to forestall further harm.
Tackling these disconcerting issues necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing international laws and collaboration, local and national legislation, as well as accountability from the tech sector itself. Efforts by various countries and organizations to fortify online safety regulations and stem online abuse are laudable strides in the right direction. Nevertheless, more concerted efforts are warranted to bridge the gender digital chasm and ensure a safer and empowering online environment for women.
As we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, it is imperative to elevate women’s safety and empowerment in the wider discourse. Furthermore, the adoption of a gender-responsive approach to designing and regulating the digital world is pivotal for sustained progress. Together, by heeding the voices of women and implementing pragmatic solutions, we can endeavour towards a more inclusive and equitable digital future.
This article is a result of the profound insights and contributions of Seyi Akiwowo, Nighat Dad, Nina Jane Patel, and Anastasia Kargianni, to whom we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
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