Violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights that has found a new battleground in the digital realm. The lack of a common definition of technology-facilitated violence impedes the collection of comparable data on a global scale, but available national and regional figures reveal an alarming incidence.
- Incidence of Cyber Harassment in the European Union
In the European Union, one in ten women has experienced cyber harassment since the age of 15. This cyber harassment includes receiving unwanted and sexually explicit or offensive emails or SMS messages, as well as inappropriate and offensive contacts on social media. This statistic highlights the urgent need to address and regulate cyber harassment to protect women and girls from online violence.
- Online Violence in the Arab States
A regional study in the Arab States revealed that 60% of internet users in the region had been exposed to online violence during the previous year. This high percentage indicates the prevalence of digital violence in this region and the urgency of implementing effective protection policies and mechanisms.
- Online Harassment in Uganda
In Uganda, almost half of the women (49%) reported in 2021 that they had been subjected to online harassment at some point in their lives. This statistic demonstrates the need to create safe digital environments and raise awareness about the impact of online harassment on women’s lives.
- Online Hate Speech in South Korea
According to a survey conducted in 2016 by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, 85% of women experienced online hate speech. This extremely high percentage highlights the severity of the problem and the need to take drastic measures to combat online hate.
- The Urgency of Action
Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls is a concerning reality that affects millions of women worldwide. The lack of comparable global data should not be an excuse for inaction. It is imperative that governments, international organizations, and digital platforms work together to define, prevent, and combat this form of violence.
What Can We Do?
- Clear and Consistent Definition: Establish a common definition of technology-facilitated violence to facilitate the collection of comparable data and the implementation of effective policies.
- Education and Awareness: Promote awareness campaigns to educate society about the effects of online violence and how to prevent it.
- Legislation and Policies: Implement robust laws and policies that protect women and girls from digital violence and ensure appropriate punishment for perpetrators.
- Support and Resources: Provide support and resources to victims of online violence, including counseling and psychological support services.
Violence against women and girls in the digital realm is an extension of violence against human dignity that requires immediate attention and action. Only through a concerted and sustained effort can we create a safe and equitable digital environment for all.
Source: UN Women (unwomen.org)
