Session 9: Tackling gender-based violence in the digital age against women public figures worldwide
Jul 9, 2026 | 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
CC1
Description
As our lives become increasingly digital, gender-based violence (GBV) is evolving and expanding worldwide. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV) – including cyberstalking, deepfakes, and image-based abuse - is a growing threat, particularly for women, silencing voices and discouraging engagement in civic, political, and economic spheres. Globally, 38% of women report personally experiencing some form of TF-GBV. Yet public perception remains uneven, including among younger generations. While 83% of young women aged 18–24 reject the notion that women should expect abuse for expressing their views online, only 66% of young men share this view. This theme will examine the specific ways TF-GBV targets women in public life, review its impacts on democratic participation, and explore effective pathways forward. Discussions will highlight survivor-centred approaches, legal and regulatory innovations, and promising practices from governments, civil society, academia, and technology actors. By mapping risks and showcasing solutions, the theme will outline how to build safer digital environments that enable women to lead, participate, and thrive in public life.
