written by C. Chikwe, N.E. Eneh, C.U. Akpoukwe

This concept paper introduces a global framework to address the pressing issue of digital violence against women and girls, which includes behaviors like cyberstalking, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The rise of this form of violence reflects broader patterns of gender-based discrimination, worsened by societal norms that often condone or ignore online aggression toward women.

Theoretical Framework:

The framework emphasizes three interconnected dimensions:

1. Legal Dimension: Strengthening laws to protect women and girls, ensuring perpetrators face accountability, and closing legal gaps that often leave victims without sufficient recourse.
2. Technological Dimension: Leveraging technology both as a preventive tool and a protective measure. This includes partnerships with tech companies to create safety features, privacy tools, and reporting mechanisms, while addressing ethical considerations to prevent misuse of these technologies.
3. Social Dimension: Tackling the societal attitudes and cultural norms that fuel online abuse, with a focus on changing harmful gender stereotypes and empowering women to engage confidently in digital spaces.
   

The paper also highlights global collaboration as essential to success, calling for multi-stakeholder engagement across government bodies, civil society, tech companies, and international organizations. Key strategies include advocacy campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and public education initiatives to raise awareness and promote policy reforms. By engaging diverse voices, the framework aims to foster a culture of accountability and inclusivity.

Implementation:

In its implementation, the framework will employ research, case studies, stakeholder consultations, and expert input to stay adaptive and informed by best practices. Long-term strategies include sustainability measures to embed protections within existing programs, ensuring that the digital sphere can be a safe space for women and girls over the long term.

Ultimately, the framework aspires to create a safer, more inclusive digital environment where women and girls are free from the threat of technology-enabled violence, allowing them to participate fully and securely in the digital economy and society. By mobilizing global efforts, this initiative aims to transform digital spaces into places of empowerment rather than harm for women worldwide.

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