Can Social Media Really Help Reduce GBVF? – Dr Jeff Khumalo

In Dr. Jeff Khumalo’s groundbreaking book, the pressing question is posed: Can social media help reduce gender-based violence (GBV)? This inquiry is especially pertinent in an era where online gender-based violence (OGBV) has emerged as a modern form of GBV perpetuated through digital technologies.

The Rise of OGBV

OGBV is defined by its intention to cause harm through digital means. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the integration of technologies into daily life, including work-from-home arrangements, virtual communication, online shopping, and e-learning. This shift has made OGBV a prevalent crime, affecting human security globally. Studies indicate that 58% of girls from various countries experienced internet abuse in 2020 alone. Such violence, often targeting women and girls, can lead to severe mental health issues, including stress, trauma, depression, and even suicide.

Forms of OGBV and Its Impact

OGBV manifests in various ways, including networked harassment, public disclosure of private information, hate speech, image-based sexual harassment, sexploitation, extortion, and stalking. The impacts are profound, leading to psychological and emotional harm, professional and reputational damage, and economic consequences. At a macro level, OGBV reinforces gender inequalities and undermines fundamental human rights.

Addressing OGBV: Policies and Regulations

Addressing OGBV requires clear and consistently enforced policies by technology companies. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights mandate internet intermediaries to ensure their operations do not facilitate human rights violations. However, many social media platforms have been criticized for weak reporting mechanisms and selective enforcement of policies.

International human rights frameworks, including the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, provide a global set of rights and obligations. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development specifically targets the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

The Need for a Collaborative Multi-Agency Approach

To combat OGBV effectively, a collaborative multi-agency approach is necessary. This includes co-regulation between states and technology companies, as well as the implementation of binding legal regulations for internet intermediaries. For instance, technological apps like Safe City, Hollaback, and HarassMap have been used to collect OGBV data through crowdsourcing, enabling law enforcement agencies to act on incidents.

Leveraging Technology to Combat GBVF

Despite the negative aspects of technology, it also offers opportunities for women and girls to share their experiences and advocate for change. Platforms like Meta and X (formerly Twitter) provide channels for articulating the harms of OGBV and challenging social norms. For example, the Spanish language webchats “Technologia Transformadora” help women, girls, and the youth explore ways to address OGBV.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Education

Technology companies have a moral obligation through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to mentor young users on navigating online challenges. Programs like Malaysia’s “CyberSAFE” have significantly increased students’ feelings of safety online, demonstrating the potential impact of school-based interventions.

The Path Forward

Dr. Jeff Khumalo’s book underscores that while social media can perpetuate OGBV, it also holds the potential to combat it. By developing clear policies, enhancing awareness, and fostering collaborations between states, technology companies, and educational institutions, we can leverage digital platforms to reduce GBV and empower women and girls worldwide.

The book advocates for the proactive use of social media to create awareness, educate users, and provide support for victims. It highlights success stories where social media campaigns have led to significant changes in legislation and social attitudes. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of digital literacy programs to help users recognize and report OGBV, and the need for continuous improvement in the algorithms used by social media platforms to detect and prevent abusive content.

In conclusion, Dr. Khumalo’s work calls for a multi-faceted approach to tackling OGBV, blending technological advancements with robust policy frameworks and educational initiatives. It is a call to action for all stakeholders—governments, tech companies, educators, and users—to join forces in creating a safer online environment that not only prevents OGBV but also empowers victims and promotes gender equality.