[bestbits] IGF2016: Technological solutions for countering gender based harrasment

[Sadaf Khan]

Dear all,

We are hosting a design thinking workshop on finding technological
solutions to counter gender based  harrasment online. The session is
scheduled tomorrow (8-12-16) at 12:00pm in Workshop Room 16. People
interested in brainstorming on technology based solutions are invited to
join. Details of the session below:

Countering gender based abuse online has been one of the key challenges
that hinder optimal use of the Internet and other digital technologies. In
the report of best practice forum on online abuse and gender based violence
against women found that “abuse and gender-based violence against women,
whether perpetrated online or offline, is difficult to address because of
the attitudes, stereotypes and beliefs that underpin the issue. In an
online context, such efforts are further complicated because responses need
to be implemented within the global context of the Internet and with the
cooperation of a multitude of stakeholders”. As the BFP’s report highlights
the abuse against women remains disproportionate and technology at times
becomes a tool, being used to commit, abet or aggravate different forms of
violence against women.

As noted in BFP on Countering Abuse report, “online abuse and gender based
violence can, among other things, limit women’s ability to take advantage
of the opportunities that ICTs provide for the full realisation of women's
human rights, act as a barrier to access that can exacerbate the gender
digital gap, often violate women’s human rights, and reaffirm and reproduce
gender stereotypes”. Thus, countering online abuse and gender-based
violence is essential for both inclusivity and sustainability. Enabling
women to participate equally online would help create an environment which
allows for the optimal use of the Internet and also help women access equal
opportunities for growth and development in today’s digital, networked
society.

*The session takes the design thinking approach to understand, analyse and
find solutions for gender based abuse and harrasment online. *

*Regards,*

*Sadaf Khan*

*Director Programs*

*Media Matters for Democracy*
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