By Kotie Geldenhuys
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
In a rapidly evolving world, digital technology and virtual spaces have become a powerful force, reshaping our daily lives and altering the way people communicate, work and learn. As technology advances, it opens doors to new possibilities, offering a pathway towards sustainable growth and economic progress. For many, these innovations expand access to education and information, allowing knowledge to flow freely. Yet, amid the promises offered by this digital age, a shadow lurks – reminding us that within the vastness of the digital world, dangers such as gender-based violence can emerge.
UNFPA, the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency, reported in their document entitled Making all spaces safe, that technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) impacts all women who use technology. However, some women are at greater risk due to their activities, identities or access to certain information and services. These include female journalists, politicians, activists, feminists, academics and young people (UNFPA, 2021). A 2020 study conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) found that 85% of women globally face online violence, with younger women being more likely to experience it personally (The Economist, 2021).
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[This is only an extract of an article that is published in Servamus: October 2024. This article is available for purchase.]