Blog by Judy Toll, President Elect – SI Perth
A parallel event to CSW UN – Wednesday, 12 March 2025, 10.30 am
Moderated by: Meredith Jacobs CEO of Jewish International, co-founder of I Believe Israeli Women
Panellists:
- Abid Shamdeen -Co-founder of Nadia’s initiative
- Yaryna Voloshyn – Head of Communications at the Ukrainian Women Lawyers Association “JurFem”
- Kristina Wilfore – Co-founder #ShePersisted
- Ambassador Meryl Frank (ret.) – President/CEO Makeda Glohal
Jewish Women’s International (JWI) is committed to fighting extremism and sexual violence globally and ensuring women are part of the global conversation.
In today’s digital landscape, social media serves both as a catalyst for advocacy and a breeding ground for misinformation, contributing to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is frequently employed as a war tactic to humiliate and terrorise local populations, inflicting long-term trauma. Addressing this issue aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 16 on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have become vital tools for documenting and exposing instances of TFGBV and CRSV. By amplifying survivor testimonies and real-time reports, these platforms drive global awareness and advocacy efforts. JWI leverages digital platforms to educate audiences about survivor resources, legal protections, and avenues for justice. Social media-driven advocacy has the potential to pressure policymakers to strengthen protections for women in conflict zones and hold perpetrators accountable.
However, social media also presents significant challenges, including the spread of misinformation and targeted online harassment. It has been used to humiliate and destabilise communities and political opponents, as seen in conflicts in Myanmar and Libya. This further hinders women’s participation in public life, contributing to a broader rollback of gender equality gains.
In times of conflict, misinformation campaigns can distort or downplay CRSV, undermining survivor credibility and advocacy efforts. Survivors and activists often face online abuse, making it difficult for women to share their experiences. Breaking through the digital noise requires strategic messaging, the use of secure channels such as Telegram, and increased survivor visibility. Ensuring that survivors are believed and supported is essential in this process.
Ukraine has adopted the Berkeley Protocol on Open-Source Investigations to obtain a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his associates for the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. This protocol provides a practical guide for using digital open-source information to investigate violations of international criminal, human rights, and humanitarian law. It has proven effective in exposing fake videos and deciphering cryptic messages. Member states are encouraged to adopt the Berkeley Protocol to strengthen national and international legal proceedings.
The Global Digital Compact: A Framework for Accountability
The United Nations proposed Global Digital Compact aims to establish international principles for an open, safe, and secure digital future, ensuring technology is used ethically and responsibly. This initiative is crucial in addressing TFGBV and CRSV, as it calls for stronger regulations against online abuse, misinformation, and digital surveillance that disproportionately affect women. By promoting responsible digital governance, the Compact can help curb the weaponisation of social media against vulnerable populations and enhance access to justice for survivors.
Call to Action
The international community must take urgent and decisive action to combat the amplification of CRSV through digital platforms. Governments, social media companies, and civil society must:
- Enforce stricter regulations on online harassment and misinformation related to gender-based violence.
- Implement survivor-centred digital reporting mechanisms and support systems.
- Promote the Berkeley Protocol and Global Digital Compact as tools for holding perpetrators accountable.
- Invest in digital literacy programmes that empower women to navigate and counter online abuse.
- Strengthen legal frameworks at national and international levels to combat TFGBV effectively.
Failure to act risks exacerbating the digital divide and reinforcing systemic inequalities that hinder gender equality and justice. As part of CSW69, we urge all stakeholders to commit to leveraging technology for empowerment rather than oppression, ensuring that digital spaces remain safe, inclusive, and just for all.
Summary:
Social media plays a dual role in conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), serving as both an advocacy tool and a conduit for misinformation. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok amplify survivor voices and drive policy changes, yet also facilitate misinformation and online abuse. Organisations such as Jewish Women’s International (JWI) use digital platforms to educate and advocate for survivors. However, misinformation campaigns often discredit victims and obstruct justice efforts.
Ukraine’s adoption of the Berkeley Protocol highlights the importance of open-source investigations in holding perpetrators accountable, while the Global Digital Compact proposes international governance to combat online abuse. Governments must implement legal frameworks, reporting mechanisms, and survivor support services to ensure access to justice and a safe space for healing and advocacy. CSW69 calls upon global leaders to take immediate action in regulating digital spaces to protect women and prevent the misuse of social media in perpetuating gender-based violence.