IGF 2022 WS #181 The Impact of Insecurity on Digital Gender Divide

Organizer 1: Thobekile Matimbe, Paradigm Initiative
Organizer 2: Angela Onyegbuna, Paradigm Initiative
Organizer 3: Odinakachi Nwafor, Paradigm Initiative

Speaker 1: Bulanda Nkhowani, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Khadijah El-Usman, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Ihueze Nwobilor, Civil Society, African Group

Moderator

Angela Onyegbuna, Civil Society, African Group

Online Moderator

Thobekile Matimbe, Civil Society, African Group

Rapporteur

Odinakachi Nwafor, Civil Society, African Group

Format

Panel - Auditorium - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

What can be done to make the internet secure for women?
How can we increase female online participation?
What steps can be taken to ensure that digital safety policies are developed and implemented?

Connection with previous Messages:

SDGs

5.b
9.c


Targets: SDG 5.b. - Digital insecurity is one of the major causes of the Digital gender gap, so as to enhance the use of information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.

SDG 9.c
Digital Insecurity has to be tackled so as to significantly increase access to information and communications technology.

Description:

The internet is a fantastic tool for increasing access to information, global collaboration, economic growth, and social opportunities. The internet contains resources that can improve people's lives. Unfortunately, as a result of the increasingly hostile online environment, many women are unable to freely express themselves or are driven offline entirely due to concerns about their safety. As a result, they miss out on online opportunities.

Fears of online safety and harassment are barriers that not only prevent women from maximizing their online experiences, but also from enjoying their human rights. This also stifles progress toward gender equality. We will not be able to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target for universal internet access until we close this significant gap.

Expected Outcomes

Proffer or Suggest Privacy, Security and Online Safety tips.
Encourage the use of Digital Security tools, Such as Ripoti - Digital Rights Violations Reporting Platform, and Ayeta - a security toolkit that provides information.
Policy brief on digital security for women.

Hybrid Format: The session agenda will allow time for panelists to speak and time for the audience to ask questions and make contributions

Online Participation



Usage of IGF Official Tool.