The United Nations cites Technology-Facilitated Gender Based Violence as a critical issue that must be tackled as the world emphasizes digital transformation. Governments, private sectors, and nonprofit organizations must work collaboratively to enact policies and provide support services that address this issue.

Technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with others. While it has brought numerous benefits to society it has also paved the way for a new form of violence against women and girls. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGV) has become all too common in today’s society, with perpetrators exploiting digital platforms to harm their victims. From email and social media to messaging services and web pages, TFGV can happen anywhere, anytime.

Numerous studies have shown that women and girls are at a higher risk of TFGV. According to the United Nations, a staggering 73% of women have experienced cyber violence, and women are 27 times more likely to be harassed online than men. Unfortunately, underserved communities are at a higher disadvantage when it comes to the safer use of technology.

However, we cannot let the advancement of technology hinder the progress that has been made in addressing gender-based violence. Rather, we need to find ways to leverage technology to help women and girls stay safe.

Here are some ways to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

1. Educate and Raise Awareness
One of the most effective ways to combat technology-facilitated gender violence is through education and awareness campaigns. Many women and girls are unaware of the risks associated with technology and the consequences of sharing personal information online. Initiatives that focus on raising awareness of online safety, privacy, and security can help minimize the risks of technology-facilitated gender violence significantly.

2. Develop Technological Solutions
The use of technology can also be harnessed to help combat gender violence online. Tech solutions that can be used to counter harassment, stalking, and other forms of gender-based violence can be developed. Additionally, companies like social media platforms should roll out features such as reporting, blocking, and muting that allows users to protect and secure themselves from online violence.

3. Provide Access to Resources and Support
It is also essential to provide women and girls access to resources and support to help them manage technology-facilitated gender violence. Community-based organizations could be established to assist in reporting abuses and provide emotional and psychosocial support to victims. Similarly, governments can fund hotlines, online services, and chat forums as a safe space for women and girls to seek help.

4. Address Digital Security for Women Journalists
In the majority of countries, women journalists face constant harassment and threats online to discourage them from reporting on sensitive topics. Organizations and media outlets can prioritize addressing the digital security of women journalists and incorporate digital safety measures in their training programs to enhance journalists’ safety and freedom of expression.

5. Develop Laws & Policies

Governments must re-organize the existing legal and policy frameworks to address TFGV comprehensively. Doing so must involve partnerships between law enforcement agencies, civil society, human rights organizations, and other stakeholders. Specific laws and policies need to address cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyberbullying, and cyber harassment.

6. Collaborations and Partnerships
Combating technology-facilitated gender violence is a shared responsibility. Partnerships and collaborations by tech companies, NGOs, governments, donors, and civil society actors can bring different perspectives, expertise, and resources to address gender violence in the digital space. These efforts can improve recognizing and addressing the issue of online violence.

Technology can both be a catalyst for violence against women and a tool to fight it. Staying ahead of these risks takes time, effort, and shared responsibility. Together, let’s make the digital space safe for everyone.

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