Technological Advancement and Gender Inequality

Technology is at the heart of modern society and has generally transformed many aspects of our lives. The impact that technology has had on communication and commerce is undeniable. However, this two-edged tool has also helped create new vulnerabilities, especially for women and girls. While technology opens channels for empowerment and connectivity, it can also be a fertile ground for gender-based violence. Technology can most disturbingly contribute to gender inequality by way of what is termed the digital divide. Most women and girls living in marginalized areas, at some point, are barred from accessing and acquiring proper digital literacy about technology. This bars them from most online harassment, threats, and physical harm. For instance, a perpetrator can use social media to imprint sexual images without consent or stalk and harass their victims.

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Harassment and bullying online are also some of the issues that affect women and girls the most. Online game platforms, messaging services, and also social media have been associated with hate speech and abuse breeding. The behavior in these would range from verbal abuse, and threats, to other forms of harassment such as doxxing, which involves making public private information about a person, or deepfakes, manipulations of images or videos.

Sextortion, which is a form of blackmail that includes the threat of distributing private photos or videos, is another significant threat. The perpetrators often target young women and girls and blackmail them into creating compromising material. When these pictures are obtained, they can be published online without the victim’s consent and leave serious long-term consequences.

Advances in technology make it possible to track and monitor people. Such capabilities could be used to stalk victims, intrude on their privacy, and create a climate of fear. For instance, serial offenders might use GPS tracking devices, spyware, or social media to monitor the movement patterns and other activities of victims.

Besides, the algorithms determining our online lives could also perpetuate harmful stereotyping and discrimination. If such algorithms aren’t designed to respect gender equality, for instance, there is a greater chance that discriminatory advertising or content directed towards women and girls would go through.

In Pakistan, the interaction between technology and gender-based violence carries extreme complexities. Established cultural norms and patriarchal frameworks may heighten the effects of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. For example, societal expectations that women must confine themselves to the home or further restrict their online activity may make them more vulnerable to instances of online harassment and stalking. Secondly, the digital divide in Pakistan is acute. A vast majority of women and girls in rural areas lack smartphones and the internet, thereby limiting their ability to claim or contact support services.

Existing laws would also need to be reformed in keeping with the changing nature of technology and the new kinds of harm it enables. Law enforcement agencies should be trained in the investigative and prosecution processes of the technical aspects of digital evidence related to cases of TFGBV.

Although changes have been brought into the legal system of Pakistan regarding cybercrime and online harassment, the system still lacks completion, and thus, for most of the victims, redress is not available. This list in Pakistan contains online harassment, social media-based honor killings, stalking over the web, and deepfakes—or editing pictures and videos of women.

Technology-enabled gender-based violence requires an integrated approach. It includes strengthening legal frameworks, increasing digital literacy, raising awareness, supporting survivors, and engaging with the companies. Therefore, to combat the technology-enabled gender-based violence (TFGBV), a multi-prong approach is necessary that involves all this: strengthening legal frameworks, promoting digital literacy, building awareness, providing support for survivors, and engaging with technology companies.

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Pakistan should enact all-inclusive laws specifying cybercrimes and online harassment, which clearly define penalties and procedures for reporting and investigating such offenses. Existing laws would also need to be reformed in keeping with the changing nature of technology and the new kinds of harm it enables. Law enforcement agencies should be trained in the investigative and prosecution process about the technical aspects of digital evidence related to cases of TFGBV.

Digital literacy programs in schools, universities, and community centers may equip the population with knowledge and skills in using technology both safely and responsibly. More specifically, training and equipping women and girls can facilitate self-protection and reportage of all cybercrimes. Online resources and educative materials on digital safety are also available to heighten awareness.

Public awareness campaigns can increase public knowledge regarding the various nature of TFGBV, their mental and emotional implications on the victim, and reporting such crimes. Tie-ups with media houses and public events can enhance the effective dissemination of the message. Providing counseling and therapy services, operating crisis hotlines, and offering legal aid can help survivors of TFGBV. Availability of shelters and safe spaces must also be assured.

Technology companies should be liable for content on their platforms and have systems of prevention and removal of harmful content. They also should be transparent in their policies and practices on content moderation. Collaboration among governments, law enforcers, and technology companies will help progress the development of tools and features that could prevent and mitigate TFGBV.