Social Media, Technology and Peacebuilding Policy Brief No.181 - December, 2023 • By Katerina Standish
Policy Brief No.181: Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Democracy
Image: Ms Jane Campbell/Shutterstock.com
This policy brief examines the way that women are disproportionately affected by online harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of online abuse, and the effect this can have on democratic participation. Women play a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing democratic societies. Research shows that women’s political participation in fostering a cohesive and nonviolent community is integral to sustainable peace. However, women directly involved in social and political discourse are targeted and harassed both online and off. This policy brief details examples of misogyny on line and highlights targeted strategies for countering this phenomenon.