Session
Organizer 1: Alexandra Sternik, Women in Digital Transformation
Organizer 2: Reyn Anderson, Women in Digital Transformation
Organizer 3: Ekaterina Gromova, Women in Digital Transformation
Speaker 1: Andreasson Kim, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Mehtab Khan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Monica Kerretts-Makau, Civil Society, African Group
Reyn Anderson, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Alexandra Sternik, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Ekaterina Gromova, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Debate - Auditorium - 60 Min
1) What are the limits of freedom of expression, and who should have authority over it?
2) What constitutes "harassment" or "discrimination" online and should the government regulate this or platforms should be self-regulating?
3) How do we recognize and prevent regulatory paternalism in our online spaces?
Connection with previous Messages:
5.1
5.2
5.c
Targets: The proposal directly targets SDGs that have been mentioned above, as it discusses discrimination against women and girls in the online space which leads towards online gender-based violence. The proposal suggests the discussion on adopting policies to target the issue, therefore empowering women through digital means of communication.
Description:
Digital connectivity opens a new set of opportunities to humankind. Entrepreneurs and MSME owners with a smartphone and Internet connection can access tools to build skills, find new markets, and trade more seamlessly. Studies show the link between increased connectivity and growth in GDP. However, the Internet is not designed as a safe place. There are no guidelines for fairness or equal treatment. Women and girls have faced a persistent digital divide that has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Much is said about social norms that contribute to the gender digital divide, but gender-based violence is more opaque. How does online violence happen online? Who polices it? What happens to perpetrators and victims?
The Gender Digital Divide Index shows that only a few countries have implemented legislation protecting women against online gender-based violence. While some see this as a step in the right direction, others consider any measures to control the internet as an attempt to control the free internet. During the debate, actors from various sectors and standpoints will discuss the issue to find a middle ground and form recommendations.
- The session will introduce new indicators to the Gender Digital Divide Index (GDDI) and recommendations on combating online gender-based violence using the GDDI.
- The session will produce publications on online gender-based violence and the concept of the "safe internet"; a discussion on the "declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace" and online harassment.
Hybrid Format: A moderator will be physically present onsite to facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees. Additionally, an online facilitator will be responsible for the questions from the online attendees. We will use Zoom Event to ensure the audience is engaged, can ask questions and participate in the event.
Usage of IGF Official Tool.