Cyber violence against women and girls increases due to a lack of technical knowledge

he prevalence of cyber violence escalates when the targeted women, girls, or marginalized individuals are tech-averse. Recently, there has been an increase in organized cyberattacks against women. Speakers believe that as women advance on the path of empowerment, these attacks increase. Instead of discussing a woman’s professional competence, issues such as gender and sexual identity-based slurs, insults, and body-shaming regarding physical features or clothing are brought to the forefront. Therefore, relevant experts have expressed the opinion that arrangements must be made for women and marginalized communities to acquire cyber knowledge.

Yesterday, Wednesday afternoon, a stakeholder consultation meeting on the remedy and prevention of cyber violence against women and girls was held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital. The meeting was organized by Mahila Parishad with the theme: “Say no to all forms of torture against women and girls, including cyber violence; ensure the advancement of women and girls.”

Presided over by Mahila Parishad President Dr. Fauzia Moslem and moderated by Legal Aid Secretary Rekha Saha, the event featured former Justice of the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, Krishna Debnath, as the chief guest. Other speakers included Sheikh Ashfakur Rahman, Executive Director of the National Legal Aid Services Organization (Senior District and Sessions Judge); Brigadier General SM Moniruzzaman, Director General of the Systems and Services Division of BTRC; Maleka Banu, General Secretary of Mahila Parishad; Dil Afroze Begum, Finance Secretary; Mosa. Farhana Yasmin, Deputy Commissioner of the Women Support and Investigation Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police; Supreme Court lawyer Amit Das Gupta; clinical psychologist Nuzhat-e-Rahman; reporter Drohi Tara; and Rupaia Shrestha Tanchangya, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University. The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Nova Ahmed, Professor of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North South University.

In her speech as the chief guest, Krishna Debnath said, “Today, cybercrime has taken a more pervasive form than even rape or molestation. We must work with cyber protection laws to prevent cybercrime.”

In the keynote address, Professor Nova Ahmed highlighted several recommendations for preventing cyber violence. These included:

• Integrating the aspect of seeking help when facing cyber violence or other technical issues into technology education.

• Ensuring the application of law and necessary modifications/refinements.

• Ensuring speedy trials.

• Ensuring the safety of those affected by cyberattacks.

Sheikh Ashfakur Rahman stated, “It is urgent to identify the causes of cyber violence and find ways to prevent it.”

SM Moniruzzaman mentioned, “BTRC must follow laws and regulations. The law does not grant BTRC the authority to visit content sites on social media. It is difficult to solve cyber violence incidents as quickly as they occur.”

Farhana Yasmin noted, “Both cyber assistance providers and recipients must acquire adequate technical knowledge and be well-trained.”

Amit Das Gupta added, “To ensure the correct application of cyber security laws and to create a morally upright nation, a radical change in the education system is needed. Aspects of cyber security law must be included in education.”

Drohi Tara emphasized, “Emphasis must be placed on the rapid enactment and implementation of laws in cyber security. Awareness-raising video content should be created. We must remain vigilant regarding the misuse of AI.”

— Maruf / Shokalbela