Human rights in the digital age from a gender persuaded | IGF 2023 Day 0 Event #167

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Drawing from diverse, global and systemic issues, Ananda, originating from a developing South Asian nation, Nepal, initiates a crucial discourse on the enduring digital divide and the prevailing gender gap. An interplay of these multifaceted topics is reflected through various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially focusing on SDG5 for gender equality, SDG10 dedicated to reduced inequalities, and aspects of SDG9, advocating industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

A noteworthy revelation from Ananda’s discussion centres on the glaring gender disparity in internet access, particularly prominent in the Asia-Pacific region.

Statistics confirm that only 54% of women, as against 59% of men, gain access to the internet, embodying the global gender digital divide. Furthermore, an astounding 40% of the entire Asian populace remains unconnected to the internet, a daunting concern given the fact that the majority of internet users globally hail from the APAC region.

Ananda accentuates the gender divide as a comprehensive issue, grounded not merely in the digital sphere but extending into offline or traditional domains as well.

Importantly, long before the advent of the internet, women and gender minorities consistently struggled to claim their rights, such as the right to education and to vote. It appears that technology advancement has not sufficiently bridged this gap, as these groups persist in experiencing deprivation in the online domain.

Against this context, Ananda champions an optimistic view advocating for equal internet access across all societal strata.

Echoing societal equality, this proposal is premised on the belief that the internet acts as a robust tool enabling access to societal rights. Supporting this argument, the slogan ‘access to the internet should be equitable’ is promoted, serving as a potential remedy to assure equal rights in the virtual and broader social context.

An unexpected challenge highlighted pertains to the unwelcome perpetuation of gender biases within emerging technologies.

In 2022, generative AI tools like Charity, Google, Bard gained significant traction. These strides, while largely positive, may inadvertently reflect and perpetuate gender biases, casting a pall over technology progression.

Ananda candidly addresses the disturbing prevalence of misinformation and targeted attacks, with striking emphasis on women politicians, actors, and gender minorities.

This alarming scenario contributes substantially to perpetuating gender inequality.

However, the discourse emboldens the potential of the internet to serve as an effective tool for mitigating gender bias, misinformation, and targeted assaults, if aptly utilised. Additionally, Ananda posits that a collaborative multi-stakeholder approach is essential to tackling gender bias in technology and combating online aggressions.

An integral part of this solution should comprise instilling digital literacy within school curriculums, consequently equipping younger generations to withstand online hazards and promote a more thoughtful, inclusive internet usage.

In conclusion, the discourse underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to vanquish the digital divide and gender gap.

As societies globally step into the digital future, crafting an internet landscape that facilitates greater inclusivity and equality becomes an unequivocal imperative.

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The discussion strongly emphasised the pressing need to address and counter the gender gap apparent in internet usage and digital inclusion. The overriding message centred on the paramount importance of international cooperation and collaboration in overcoming these disparities, particularly focusing on regions where this inequality is most pronounced.

In doing so, the dialogue connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the interrelatedness of these issues.

Specifically, the SDGs relating to gender equality and reduced inequalities were underscored during the discourse, signalling the convergence of these objectives with the topic at hand.

Alongside these, the SDG centred on the advancement of industry, innovation, and infrastructure was also underscored, demonstrating a broad understanding of the context of the issue and the potential remedies it presents to these global predicaments.

Despite limitations such as a restricted audience reach and funding constraints, the importance and influence of the discussions introduced during this dialogue were underlined.

Emphasis was placed on the significance of these dialogues, even if the immediate audience and financial support were comparatively limited. The ongoing discussions generate a ripple effect, contributing to wider conversations and actions foremost towards bridging the gender digital divide.

Notably, the sentiment of the conversation was overwhelmingly positive.

Supported by multiple expressions of agreement and appreciation from the audience, the sentiment reconfirmed the relevance and urgency of the issue in today’s society. The audience’s unanimous endorsement of the viewpoints expressed, manifested by their consistent ‘Thank you’ responses, serves to validate the resonance of these perspectives within the broader public.

To summarise, the discussion broadened the perspective through which we view the gender digital divide, proposing a collaborative global approach as an applicable and necessary solution.

The linkage to SDGs and the emphasis on the importance of relevant dialogues, regardless of audience size and funding, underpinned the positively received sentiment and audience consent coursing throughout the discourse.

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The pivotal discussion revolves around the gender disparity concerning digital rights, indicating two main focal points: gender equality and the essential role played by industry, innovation and infrastructure within this perspective. A clearly aligned viewpoint corroborates an ideal scenario wherein digital rights are assured for all; demonstrating a robust belief in the importance of peace, justice, and substantial institutions as reinforced by Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Despite hindrances including reduced participation or funding limitations, the crux of the argument unfailingly shifts towards the persistent gender gap in internet usage. The necessity for continued and robust debate surrounding this issue is deemed critical, even in the face of these obstacles.

Varied experiences shared from across continents reflect a unified commitment to combat this gap, advancing towards the end goal of gender equality as outlined in SDG 5.

The discourse places distinct emphasis on digital inclusion, where advocates argue its critical role in effectively bridging the gender gap in digital rights and internet usage.

Furthermore, it resonates with the theme of Safer Internet Day, “Together for a better internet”, thus aligning the discussions with the broader movement of digital empowerment.

Moreover, the narrative articulates the necessity for establishing partnerships to achieve these globally significant objectives, underlined in SDG 17.

This need for alliances, in envisioning a future devoid of digital gender divide and inequity, is duly acknowledged.

In summary, the discourse underscores the significance of gender equality within the sphere of digital rights, and calls for an ongoing dialogue, alliance-building, and continued innovation, faced with these diverse challenges.

The argument supports closing the gender gap in internet usage, promoting digital inclusion, and the need for robust discussions on these topics, regardless of constraints.

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Mariana, an active participant in Redes Hace, an organisation focusing on indigenous communications, voiced her pleasure and honour in contributing to key panel discussions around gender and internet access. Detrimentally, these discussions are vital in amplifying voices that often remain unheard, ultimately unveiling systemic issues that obstacle gender equality online and offline.

However, gender parity in internet usage belies deeper, systemic issues, with data from the Mexican Association of Internet revealing that 52% of online users are women. This outlines a pressing disparity in access for females and sexual minorities that runs the risk of intensifying existing inequalities.

Mariana’s personal journey into feminism is intrinsically linked to her ability to reach diverse information and narratives online. This underscores the instrumental role of online tools and internet access in shaping personal identities and facilitating comprehension of societal issues such as gender equality.

Nevertheless, the prevailing issue is that technology usability is typically influenced by a male perspective, making it less practically accessible for women. This male-dominated design culture has the potential to be damaging in fostering a more inclusive digital culture.

A clear gender imbalance is evident within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

In Mexico, female participation in STEM is shockingly low, with women representing only 30% of professionals in the field. Known deterrents such as online violence, discrimination, and gender-biased education discourage women from pursuing their interest in these fields, emphasising the necessity for comprehensive mitigation strategies.

The value of youth, especially young women, in shaping the future of the Internet was underscored. As a substantial user demographic, their voices in discussions concerning internet development and policies are critical.

Significantly, the rise of feminist organisations in Mexico has resulted in a tangible impact on the representation of younger generation voices, including young trans women.

Harnessing online platforms, these collectives are successfully mobilising political movements which transcend physical boundaries and influence real-world conditions.

Ending on a positive note, the necessity of sustaining gender-related discussions on digital platforms was highlighted. This not only provides a constructive medium for ideation and problem-solving but indirectly influences the political shaping of younger generations.

Such discussions can serve as a springboard for political education and mobilisation amongst younger women globally.

To summarise, while challenges remain, spaces that enable open and inclusive debates, like the panel Mariana participated in, are essential to progressing dialogue and actions toward gender equality.

Despite the systemic issues that persist, the rising engagement of younger generations online offers a hopeful prospect for the future.

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Umut Pajaro Velazquez, a representative from Cartagena, Colombia, has raised significant concerns regarding the underrepresentation of the Gender Standing Group within the Internet Society, a crucial subject pertaining to SDG5: Gender Equality.

A pressing issue is the detrimental effect of the gender gap on human rights on the Internet.

Although this issue primarily influences the fulfilment of SDG5, it also impacts SDG10: Reduced Inequalities. Notwithstanding Velazquez’s neutral stance, the overall sentiment towards this matter is generally negative, indicating that it warrants immediate attention.

The severity of the digital gender gap is underscored by statistics revealing that women and gender diverse individuals are significantly less likely to have Internet access.

Furthermore, these groups are at a greater risk of experiencing online harassment and violence, which infringes their digital rights. Compounded by their inadequate digital skills, they suffer the most from the digital divide.

There is urgent demand for the bolstering of initiatives that champion inclusivity and improve access to ICTs for women, girls, and gender diverse people.

Findings show that only a scant 35% of these initiatives are spearheaded by women and gender diverse individuals, emphasising the requirement for equal representation. The battle for equality also involves the prompt removal of harmful content from social media platforms to safeguard vulnerable users.

Importantly, the necessity to persistently highlight gender gap and inequalities at forums like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is deemed essential.

Despite the negative sentiment resulting from the protracted nature of these issues, there is consensus on the importance of these discussions. They put necessary pressure on the private sector and governments to rectify gender imbalances.

Even though progress has been made in reducing the gender gap, sustained efforts through advocacy and ongoing discussions are required to effect lasting change.

Despite the persistence of noticeable gender inequality in the digital space, a positive sentiment exists around the possibilities of future progress.

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Yulia, an esteemed youth delegate hailing from Brazil and associated with the Federal University of Minas Gerais, actively participates in the nuanced analysis of interactions on internet forums vis-a-vis human rights. She was invited to a panel discussion on ‘Human Rights in the Digital Age’, where she dissected various aspects of the online world, delineating the gamification of hatred not only within the Brazilian context but also on a broader international stage.

Her research prominently focuses on the online gaming community, addressing the dichotomy and disparities therein.

Yulia asserts that gaming companies predominantly cater to a young male demographic, consequently creating a homogenised and exclusive microcosm. Such a worrisome trend not only marginalises diverse audience groups but indirectly fosters various forms of harm such as racism, sexual violence, and gender-based bias or sexism.

She perceives online platforms as potentially harmful spheres of social interaction due to their influential reach.

Yulia ardently champions the cause of diversity within digital spaces. She believes that an inclusive online environment can be cultivated through collaborative efforts involving government bodies, commercial enterprises, and societal groups.

Emphasising the adverse effects of an exclusionary approach within online platforms, she highlights that the male-centric gaming culture could potentially discourage aspiring individuals from pursuing careers in science or IT-related fields.

Drawing attention to the pronounced lack of gender diversity within the IT industry, she anchors a correlation with the unwelcoming atmosphere proliferating within gaming communities.

Citing UK-based statistics, Yulia reveals that a mere 2% of ICT startup resources are mobilised towards initiatives led by women, accentuating the gender divide in the tech landscape.

Yulia proposes a two-tiered solution to these issues. The first factor involves widespread implementation of meta-data analysis.

With its innate capacity to comprehensively understand user behaviour, data tracking processes should be employed to identify and mitigate users’ negative experiences online. Moreover, she urges third sector organisations to strategically align their initiatives with young individuals’ interests, thereby fostering inclusivity within the IT sector.

Correlating her arguments to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Yulia’s discourse aligns with SDGs 5, 9, 10, 16, and 17.

These goals strive towards promoting gender equality, fostering inclusive industries and innovation, reducing social and economic inequalities, nurturing peace, justice and robust institutions and facilitating effective cross-sector partnerships, respectively. Her comprehensive analysis provides an insightful framework for comprehending an evolving issue that intersects human rights in digital spaces, deconstructing intricate yet crucial arguments pertaining to inclusivity and diversity in the digital era.