Occupy Cyberspace: The Urgent Need for International Digital Protections
Blog by Elizabeth Peterson, 2024–2026 North Atlantic Region Governor from Soroptimist International of the Americas, Connecticut Shoreline Club
This CSW69 side event provided a powerful discussion on the urgent need to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV). With a distinguished panel of speakers including Ms. Silvana Balsa, Ms. Ana Redondo, Ms. Ivonne Urriola, Ms. Michelle Muschett, and Ms. Lorena Larios, the session highlighted the alarming rise of cyber violence, online hate speech, and digital harassment. The conversation emphasised the lack of protective controls on the internet, the role of governments and institutions, and the necessity for global cooperation to safeguard digital spaces.
The Internet as a Field of Unchecked Threats
The panellists described the internet as a space with few protective barriers, making it fertile ground for violence against women and girls, in ways that are often premeditated and coordinated, including cyber hacks and targeted harassment. Unlike the physical world, where societies have established legal protections, safe zones, and social norms to navigate danger, virtual reality presents an increasing and often invisible threat.
One of the most striking insights was the collapse of protective rights, freedom, and safety in the digital space. Virtual reality can remove individuals from the safeguards they are accustomed to in the physical world, making it easier for bad actors to perpetrate violence without accountability. The borderless nature of the internet further complicates this issue—networks operate beyond national jurisdictions, making it difficult to enforce laws that protect citizens, particularly women and girls, from TF-GBV.
The panel stressed the urgent need for institutional and governmental alliances to eliminate loopholes that protect online perpetrators. While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it must not be conflated with criminal conduct—cyberstalking, harassment, and digital sexual violence must be recognised and prosecuted as crimes.
Building a Framework for Protection and Accountability
The Beijing Platform for Action, established nearly 30 years ago, was a historic moment for global women’s rights advocacy. The workshop panelists emphasised that we must honour the legacy of those who came before us while adapting to the new digital reality. TF-GBV is a modern challenge, but the responsibility to preserve rights and freedoms remains the same.
One of the most promising solutions discussed was strong multilateralism—collaborations between governments, corporations, and civil society to create policy frameworks that prioritise digital safety.
Several key strategies were proposed:
- Government Action – Executive branches must actively prioritise digital safety within their agendas, treating TF-GBV as a serious criminal policy issue rather than a secondary concern.
- Corporate Accountability – Technology companies play a significant role in shaping online spaces, and their platforms must include stronger protective measures against cyber violence against women and girls.
- Strengthening Civil Society – Women’s organisations, human rights groups, and journalists—many of whom have been targets of TF-GBV—must be supported with resources, advocacy platforms, and legal protections.
Panellists also highlighted that certain countries are leading the way in protecting citizens through effective leadership. New Zealand, Germany, and Finland stood out for their strong governance during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that women in executive positions can implement policies that prioritise public welfare. Mexico’s newly elected female president Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum, was also acknowledged for her extraordinary negotiation capabilities, demonstrating that women in leadership can drive systemic change.
Harnessing Technology for Solutions
While technology has been a vehicle for gender-based violence, the workshop also explored how it can be leveraged for solutions. The discussion touched on the potential of AI and digital hubs for development, which offer sophisticated public policy tools that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
- Artificial intelligence can help track and prevent cyber violence by identifying patterns in hate speech, harassment, and online threats.
- Digital hubs for development can create safer online environments, improve transparency, and enhance global cooperation.
- Cross-sector partnerships between governments, UN agencies, tech companies, and advocacy groups can establish stronger regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
The speakers emphasised the importance of defining sexual violence as a crime in all its forms, including its digital manifestations. Without clear legal definitions and enforcement mechanisms, TF-GBV will continue to escalate.
Strengthening the Narrative and Moving Forward
A central theme of the discussion was the need to amplify voices and strengthen the narrative around digital violence against women. Despite progress in gender equality, there is worrying backsliding—meaning that efforts must be redoubled. The panellists called for a global exchange of experiences and solutions, so that countries can learn from one another and build stronger policies together.
One of the workshop’s key takeaways was the importance of creating spaces for dialogue among key actors. Establishing centres for protection against cyber attacks, hate speech, and online aggression could serve as a first line of defence for those targeted by TF-GBV.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Digital Violence Against Women general session underscored that TF-GBV is a growing crisis requiring urgent, coordinated action. The digital world should not be a lawless frontier where violence flourishes unchecked. Governments, corporations, and civil society must come together to establish protective policies, enforce accountability, and create safer online environments.
As we approach Beijing+30, the challenge is clear: we must build resilient digital spaces that uphold human rights, democracy, and safety for all individuals. The panellists called on leaders, policymakers, and activists to turn advocacy into action—ensuring that the next 30 years of women’s rights progress include stronger protections in the digital world.