Media and Information Literacy (MIL): Unveiling Online Discrimination Against Women
Policy & Development Advisory Group (PDAG)
Public Policy Advisory, Research & Strategic Communication |Migration | Climate Action | Governance | Digital Cultures |
Media and Information literacy have more importance in the era of information, mainly when it can be analysed through a gender lens. In an increasingly digitised world, technology-facilitated violence against women is a growing and serious concern. This blog explores how MIL promotes inclusivity, tackles cyber gender-based violence against women, and demands equal female inclusion in the digital space.
UN Women and WHO Report: Unveiling a Disturbing Reality
A joint UN Women and World Health Organization report on “Technology-facilitated violence against women” shows that women are more likely to be targeted based on their sex and gender identity, experiencing more severe forms of harassment. Additionally, they are more prone to enduring serious and prolonged negative consequences. Indeed, the digital environment, aggravated by Covid lockdowns, has been a haven for derogatory, inaccurate, and dangerous statements. Women facing a digital gender gap and increasing misogynist content on the internet has increased by 168%, especially during lockdown periods.
In this backdrop, the role of technology companies is essential to ensure that online spaces are safe for users. However, the industry is dominated by male workers. A commendable example to rectify the gap, is the joint program between Google and women’s organisations in Indonesia, where women are actively involved in enhancing digital security. Workforces comprising males and females ensure that various views and ideas promote a safe online space addressing the distinct needs of women. Greater efforts are needed by technology companies to minimise barriers to entry for women.
Women in Politics: Targeted and Vulnerable
Female politicians are three times more likely to be targets of online violence as compared to male politicians. Data reveals that women politicians in India are subjected to approximately 113 derogatory and abusive tweets daily and about 20% of these tweets are sexist. The study, covering March to May 2019, identified 1 million problematic mentions for 95 women politicians, totalling over 10,000 abusive tweets daily. Online violence faced by women directly contributes to offline violence, prompting women to alter their usage or refrain from it due to associated risks. This deepens the gender digital gap, hampers access to crucial information and services, and intrudes upon women's rights to participate in public life. Online violence against women politicians risks driving them away from politics, undermining current and future leadership. Gender-sensitive cyber policies and media responsibility are key in addressing this challenge.
Insights from ‘Ethnonationalist Gender Norms: How Parties Shape Voter Attitudes toward Female Candidates in India"
A journal article available in the resources section of Policy & Development Advisory Group (PDAG) - ‘Ethnonationalist Gender Norms: How Parties Shape Voter Attitudes toward Female Candidates in India’ suggests vital lessons for enhancing women's representation in ethnically divided societies. The research proposes that reducing gender disparities may involve parties representing subaltern groups fielding both subaltern female candidates and women from elite ethnic groups targeted by major parties' restrictive ethnonationalist gender norms. However, the study acknowledges potential challenges for subaltern parties, as these efforts could divert attention from their primary goal of advocating for marginalised groups.
Paving the Way for Inclusive Policies: Women's Representation Matters
A critical measure for ensuring gender equality is increasing the representation of women in decision-making bodies. Diverse representation fosters a broader range of perspectives and can enhance the strategies to combat online violence. Such policies will prove vital, given that only a few women are involved in the technology sector. In view of the fact that only 32% of the technology workforce in Asia Pacific and 36% in India constitute women, collaboration between women organisations and technology companies is crucial. A digital revolution also can boost women's rights, broadening access to education, economic opportunities, and political engagement.
Insights from ‘Electing Women in Ethnically Divided Societies: The case of Bihar"
In 2021, PDAG collaborated with the International Growth Centre on a study ‘Electing women in ethnically divided societies: The case of Bihar’ to understand Women's participation in Bihar's Panchayat. The research, driven by the question of whether increased female voting leads to a stronger political voice, focused on Bihar due to its 50% reservation for women in local government and its historical issues of gender and caste-based discrimination. Qualitative findings revealed that many perceive women as unsuitable for leadership roles such as panchayat pradhan or MLA, preferring candidates with traditional, domestic images.
Insights from DiSTO: India Chapter Symposium
PDAG, in collaboration with The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Indira Gandhi National Open University, orchestrated the first symposium of the DiSTO India Chapter on July 24th-25th, 2023. This event marked a notable extension of LSE's global DiSTO initiative, titled "From Digital Skills to Tangible Outcomes”. The event focused on critical digital literacy and responsible technology use.
The symposium brought attention to the pressing issues of gender-based inequalities, aligning discussions with broader media and information literacy goals. The event emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable populations in the digital space, fostering critical thinking about digital content, and navigating the challenges. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative initiatives to ensure a digital landscape that safeguards the rights and well-being of all individuals, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups, such as women facing increased risks of online violence.
Conclusion: Significant Role of Media and Information Literacy (MIL)
Gender inequality is the reality of all facets of society, manifesting in disparities across economic, social, and political realms. Women often face barriers to equal opportunities, unequal pay, limited or no access to education, and underrepresentation in decision-making roles. This pervasive inequality extends to cultural norms, where traditional gender roles can constrain individuals based on their assigned gender at birth. Media and Information Literacy (MIL) emerges as a powerful tool to confront and address these multifaceted challenges of gender inequality. With the growing digitisation, women are increasingly on the receiving end of online discrimination and harassment. Media and Information Literacy come through as a shining light to address online violence against women. It is imperative to acknowledge the relationship between MIL, gender equality, and online safety, to promote a digital environment in which women can contribute without fear of cyberbullying. In fostering a culture of respect and empowerment, MIL can equip individuals with the skills to critically engage with media, challenging harmful narratives and fostering a more inclusive online space. Our gender-responsive policies and inclusive practices today will ensure a more equal and safer digital world. The impact of MIL is clear: women’s safety and equality are imperative considerations in women’s protection and involvement in cyberspace.
Health system strengthening, Operational research, data driven strategic planning, capacity building
1yPrasanna Joshi