Digital Me: Being youth, women, and/or gender-diverse online | IGF 2023 WS #255

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The analysis highlights several key points made by the speakers. Firstly, it is noted that education and skill development have played a crucial role in fostering increased youth participation in Internet-related fields, particularly among young women. This is supported by the increase in online platforms that promote gender-related initiatives, as well as the implementation of STEM programs aimed at engaging young learners, including girls and gender diverse individuals.

These efforts have led to a positive sentiment, as more and more youths are being empowered to pursue careers and opportunities in the digital sphere.

Moving on, the analysis underlines the impact of social media activism in raising awareness about inclusivity and social change.

The speakers mention that online communities have provided a safe space for individuals from different backgrounds to connect and support each other. This sentiment is reinforced by the ability to share challenges and innovative solutions across different countries. By utilising social media platforms, activists have been able to amplify their messages and reach a wider audience, further strengthening their efforts towards reducing inequalities.

Overall, the sentiment expressed towards social media activism is positive, as it has proven to be an effective tool for driving social change.

Furthermore, the analysis emphasises the significance of policy involvement in supporting youth-led organisations. In particular, it highlights a concrete example from Zambia, where members of parliament have actively invited young people to partake in discussions and initiate tailored development in local communities.

Additionally, the creation of the CDF fund in Zambia has provided support for projects initiated by youth-led organisations. This positive sentiment towards policy involvement suggests that engaging young people in decision-making processes and providing them with resources can lead to sustainable development, as indicated by the alignment with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Lastly, the analysis points out the role of gender advocacy groups in promoting equality and safety for gender diverse individuals.

Noteworthy evidence includes the presence of online petitions and campaigns led by young people, addressing issues related to gender, youth, and women. These efforts contribute to the pursuit of SDG 5: Gender Equality and generate a positive sentiment towards the advocacy for gender diversity.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the positive impact of education, social media activism, policy involvement, and gender advocacy groups in empowering youth and promoting key social and gender-related goals.

These findings underscore the importance of providing opportunities, resources, and support to young people, as they play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.

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Since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Indonesia has witnessed a staggering 300% surge in online abuse cases. One prevalent concern is non-consensual intimate image abuse, which predominantly affects young females. This increase in online abuse has become a significant issue in the country during the pandemic.

Despite the passing of a law on sexual violence crimes, prosecuting online abuse perpetrators across different jurisdictions remains a considerable challenge.

Cross-border jurisdiction issues complicate and hamper the process of holding these perpetrators accountable for their actions.

To effectively tackle online harassment, it is crucial to strengthen global partnerships and involve all stakeholders in policy development. By engaging tech companies, particularly online platforms, in policy-making processes, it becomes possible to comprehensively address and prevent online harassment.

Incorporating both global and local perspectives is essential to ensuring that policies are effective and inclusive.

Ethical AI practices can play a vital role in protecting individuals online. Deepfake pornography using AI has become a pressing issue, violating the rights and mental well-being of women and gender diverse individuals.

Policies should actively protect digital citizens and ensure that technology serves as a force for progress rather than harm.

Preventing online harassment requires the collective efforts of various stakeholders. Governments, tech companies, schools, parents, and civil society all have unique roles to play.

Stakeholders need to advocate for safety measures, embed digital literacy in education systems, support victims of online harassment, and promote ethical digital citizenship.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in online abuse cases, with non-consensual intimate image abuse being a prevalent concern in Indonesia.

The prosecution of online abuse perpetrators is hindered by cross-border jurisdiction issues. Strengthening global partnerships, involving tech companies in policy development, advocating for ethical AI practices, and engaging all stakeholders are essential in effectively combating online harassment.

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The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of various arguments and perspectives on several topics. One argument focuses on the issue of inadequate representation of women, youth, and LGBT+ individuals in internet governance and coordination bodies. This is supported by researched participation data spanning the past 20 years.

It is argued that these marginalised groups are not given enough influence in decision-making processes, resulting in a lack of diverse perspectives and potential biases in internet governance.

Another critique discussed in the analysis pertains to civil society’s approach to making change.

It is pointed out that there is a lack of a clear theory of change, which may hinder effective strategies for addressing key societal issues. Furthermore, civil society seems to struggle with managing trade-offs that may arise in the pursuit of their goals.

The sentiment towards this critique is negative, indicating dissatisfaction with the current approaches employed by civil society to bring about meaningful change.

On a more positive note, the analysis highlights the need for advocacy from a position of power instead of victimhood to achieve sustainable results.

It is argued that advocacy efforts should not solely rely on portraying oneself as a victim, but rather focus on empowerment and leveraging existing positions of influence to drive real change. This argument is supported by the observation that exclusion is often intentional and that setting goals, prioritising, and fighting one battle at a time would yield more effective advocacy outcomes.

The analysis also includes a stance that supports focus and goal-setting in advocacy, despite the inherent difficulty in doing so due to the presence of multiple pressing issues.

It is acknowledged that advocacy efforts tend to be scattered amidst numerous important causes, making it challenging to channel resources and efforts towards achieving specific goals. Nonetheless, the importance of setting clear objectives and concentrating efforts is emphasised, as it enables more targeted and impactful advocacy work.

In conclusion, the analysis presents a range of viewpoints on different topics.

It highlights the need for greater representation of marginalised groups in internet governance, the necessity for a well-defined theory of change in civil society’s approach, the importance of advocacy from a position of power, and the benefits of focus and goal-setting in advocacy work.

By considering and addressing these perspectives, it becomes possible to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of various societal initiatives.

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Digital violence against women is a significant problem in Colombia, highlighting the urgent need for a specific regulatory framework to address it. Currently, there is a lack of legislation and guidelines that specifically target and prevent digital violence. This legal gap creates challenges in effectively dealing with these crimes and developing appropriate public policies.

One crucial issue highlighted by the analysis is that women who experience digital violence often face blame and re-victimization.

Instead of receiving support and protection, they are often held responsible for the incidents or accused of provoking the violence. This victim-blaming mentality exacerbates the problem and adds to the challenges faced by the victims. Shifting this narrative is essential to ensure that women experiencing digital violence are provided with the necessary support and protection without being blamed or stigmatized.

Furthermore, there is a lack of interest and awareness in investigating digital violence cases.

This lack of attention may be due to a limited understanding of the seriousness and impact of these crimes. Raising awareness among law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the general public about the gravity of digital violence against women and its profound effects on victims is crucial.

Increasing awareness can help direct more resources and attention towards investigating and addressing these crimes.

The analysis also emphasizes the need to recognize and prioritize digital violence as an issue requiring immediate attention in policy generation. The current legal gaps present challenges in creating effective public policies that specifically address digital violence against women.

The nature of digital violence calls for tailored protective measures and responses that are distinct from those applied in offline contexts. Empowering women online is another crucial factor in combating digital violence and ensuring their safety and well-being in the digital space.

Advocates are urging the development of a dedicated framework against digital violence.

Several initiatives related to framework development are currently pending approval in Congress. This demonstrates a growing recognition of the need to address digital violence comprehensively and proactively. Additionally, the Court has acknowledged the issue by recognizing instances of digital violence against women journalists.

In conclusion, digital violence against women is a serious issue in Colombia, necessitating the establishment of a specific regulatory framework and effective public policies.

It is imperative to shift the blame from the victims to the perpetrators and increase awareness about the severity of digital violence. Tailored protective measures and responses are required to address the unique challenges posed by digital violence. Empowering women online is crucial in preventing and addressing digital violence.

Ongoing initiatives in Congress and the recognition from the Court signal positive progress towards addressing this issue. However, further concerted efforts are needed to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment for women in Colombia.

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The analysis reveals that women face significant inequalities as consumers, despite representing 51% of the global population and making the majority of global purchasing decisions. Shockingly, their needs are often disregarded in policy, product design, and service provision. This inequality is evident in the form of the “pink tax”, financial barriers, and sexism in advertising.

The “pink tax” refers to the practice of charging higher prices for products and services marketed to women compared to similar products marketed to men.

This discriminatory pricing perpetuates gender-based inequalities by forcing women to pay more for essential items such as personal care products and clothing. Additionally, financial barriers prevent women from accessing financial services and resources, limiting their economic empowerment. Sexism in advertising further exacerbates inequalities, as it perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and objectifies women, often influencing their choices as consumers.

One of the key arguments put forward is that consumer protection frameworks lack gender equality.

Despite the significant purchasing power and influence that women have, these frameworks fail to adequately address their specific needs and concerns. The analysis highlights the urgent need for consumer protection policies and regulations to incorporate a gender lens, ensuring that women’s rights and interests are protected and promoted.

To address this issue, it is suggested that gender-disaggregated data be collected and used in policy, product design, and service provision.

Such data can reveal the truth about women’s experiences in the marketplace, aiding in the identification and elimination of sexist biases. Without reliable data, gender biases may persist, and misguided policies may unintentionally cause harm to women. Therefore, prioritising the collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data is essential for promoting gender equality in consumer protection.

Furthermore, the analysis emphasises the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach.

It is suggested that designers, developers, researchers, and marketing authorities work together to create gender-equal products and policies in digital spaces. This collaborative effort can help address biases and discriminatory practices present in the design and development of digital products.

Additionally, raising public awareness about consumer rights can empower women to assert their economic interests and demand gender-equal treatment in the marketplace.

In conclusion, women continue to face inequalities as consumers, with their needs often overlooked in policy, product design, and service provision.

The “pink tax”, financial barriers, and sexism in advertising are examples of the challenges they encounter. The analysis underscores the need for consumer protection frameworks to embrace gender equality, highlighting the importance of gender-disaggregated data and a multi-stakeholder approach. By prioritising women’s experiences and empowering them in their consumer choices, a more gender-equal marketplace can be achieved.

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The analysis examines various aspects of the digital space and its impact on marginalized groups. One major issue discussed is shadow banning, portrayed as a form of online censorship that disproportionately affects discussions on women’s rights and systemic issues.

Shadow banning is defined as a phenomenon that appears to be a technical glitch but is actually a manifestation of deeper systemic problems. The author’s personal experience is highlighted, where her political posts discussing these matters mysteriously vanished from her followers’ TikTok feeds.

This serves as evidence of shadow banning’s negative impact on radical discussions.

The discussion then shifts to the oppressive nature of the digital space for youth, women, and gender diverse individuals. While the digital realm offers a platform for advocacy, it also becomes a breeding ground for backlash and harassment.

Misogynistic and alt-right groups are specifically mentioned as organized contributors to the unease in the digital space. This evidence underscores the negative sentiment associated with the experiences of these marginalized groups.

Furthermore, the analysis explores the issue of personal data collection and its implications.

It asserts that almost every institution collects personal data and digital footprints, which are subsequently used to reinforce oppressive structures and drive profits. This criticism raises concerns about the motivations behind data harvesting and how it often fails to contribute to public welfare or policy shaping.

Another point examined in the analysis is the erasure of marginalized groups resulting from restrictive binary thinking in digital spaces.

An example is given of online forms typically offering only binary gender options, thereby neglecting non-binary and other identities. The erasure of diverse identities and the perpetuation of binary thinking is viewed as a negative aspect of the digital realm.

On a positive note, the analysis underscores the importance of celebrating diverse expressions and championing critical thinking in the digital space.

These values are believed to contribute to a more inclusive and empowering environment. Additionally, it asserts that government intervention and accountable content moderation are necessary to address the issues discussed. Europe’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) are cited as promising steps in the right direction.

Regarding representation, the analysis argues that feminist, queer, and diverse representation should be non-negotiable in both public institutions and major tech companies.

This stance emphasizes the need for diversity in decision-making processes and the creation of inclusive digital spaces.

In conclusion, the analysis presents a comprehensive exploration of the impact of the digital space on marginalized groups. It highlights issues such as shadow banning, online oppression, data privacy concerns, erasure, and the need for diverse representation.

The ultimate call is for the digital realm to celebrate diverse expressions, champion critical thinking, and for government and public intervention to ensure accountability and create a safer online environment.

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The analysis highlights the challenges faced by women and gender-diverse individuals in the online world, focusing on issues of internet safety. It acknowledges that the internet is not always a secure and inclusive space for these groups, specifically addressing concerns such as cyberbullying, gender-based violence, and the digital divide.

These challenges undermine the goals of gender equality and reduced inequalities, thus necessitating discussions and efforts to create a safe and inclusive digital environment.

The session aims to address the intersection of gender and youth online, with the ultimate objective of fostering a safer and more inclusive digital environment.

By specifically considering this intersection, the session aims to tackle the unique challenges and concerns experienced by women and gender-diverse individuals in the online sphere. The ultimate goal is to establish an environment where gender equality is prioritised and where the rights and voices of these groups are not compromised.

To achieve this aim, the analysis proposes various strategies encompassing policy, education, and digital literacy.

It emphasises the need for policy measures that protect the online rights of women and gender-diverse individuals, ensuring their safety, privacy, and digital well-being. Additionally, it suggests that educational initiatives and efforts to promote digital literacy should be intensified to empower individuals within these groups, enabling them to navigate the online world confidently and securely.

By raising awareness and knowledge, it is believed that women and gender-diverse individuals will be better equipped to protect their rights and actively participate in discussions concerning internet governance.

Umut, a supporter of the cause, strongly advocates for a safe and inclusive digital environment for women and gender-diverse individuals.

Through endorsing the objectives of the session, Umut actively contributes to the collective endeavor of creating a digital space that respects and acknowledges the rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender. Umut’s support signals a growing recognition of the importance of addressing these challenges and promoting inclusivity in the online world.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the urgent need to address the challenges faced by women and gender-diverse individuals in the online world.

By highlighting issues such as internet safety, cyberbullying, gender-based violence, and the digital divide, the session aims to establish a safe and inclusive digital environment. The proposed strategies, encompassing policy, education, and digital literacy, seek to uphold online rights and include diverse voices in discussions regarding internet governance.

Umut’s support further reinforces the significance of these endeavors, underscoring the collective commitment to creating an inclusive digital space for all individuals.

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The analysis highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing tech-facilitated gender-based violence and gendered disinformation. The speakers stress the need for joint efforts and engagement from various stakeholders, including survivors, civil society activists, and members of the private sector.

The Biden-Harris administration has announced the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse, in association with 11 other nations.

The speakers also emphasize the significance of women, girls, LGBTQ+ communities, and youth in decision-making processes and civic engagement.

They argue that investment in these groups is essential for bringing about meaningful change. USAID’s Transform initiative is mentioned as an example of efforts to promote the participation of these groups in civic life.

It is strongly emphasized that governments alone are insufficient in addressing these issues.

Collaboration between governments, civil society, and private entities is necessary. The notion of multi-stakeholder solutions is advocated as the way forward, and it is suggested that such solutions should be developed at global, country, and sub-national levels. These solutions should involve governments, civil society actors, and private sector entities.

The importance of multilateral cooperation and public-private partnerships is highlighted.

Overall, the analysis highlights the need for inclusiveness and collaboration to combat tech-facilitated gender-based violence and gendered disinformation. It calls for action that involves survivors, civil society, the private sector, and governments.

By working together and investing in women, girls, LGBTQ+ communities, and youth, meaningful change can be achieved.