A report published in our newspaper on Sunday shocked us with utter despair.
The reports said that women engaged in “ideological” professions, such as journalism and human rights activism, are facing an alarming rate of cyberattacks, which have far-reaching consequences for their personal and professional lives.
A survey conducted by a non-governmental organisation, Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE), has shed light on this disturbing trend, which threatens the very fabric of our democratic society.
The survey, which analysed 13 incidents that occurred after October, reveals that women involved in these fields are more frequently subjected to online abuse, including harassment, blackmail, and doxxing.
The impact of these attacks is profound, with many victims forced to refrain from exercising their right to free speech online.
The chilling effect of these cyberattacks is a stark reminder of the dangers that women face in the digital world.
The statistics are stark. Over 60,000 people have sought assistance from the Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW) in just three and a half years, with 41 per cent of victims having their personal information exposed online.
The survey also highlights the vulnerability of women participating in Anti-discrimination Student Movements, who have faced widespread harassment on social media.
The VOICE survey is a wake-up call for all of us. We must take immediate action to combat online violence and harassment.
Raising public awareness is crucial, as is educating the public about the different types of online violence, its impact, and the related laws.
Social media campaigns and workshops can play a vital role in informing the public and promoting a culture of respect and tolerance online.
As a society, we must do more to protect women journalists and activists who courageously speak truth to power.
We must create a safe and supportive environment that allows them to exercise their right to free speech without fear of reprisal.
The government, civil society, and the media must work together to address this issue and ensure that women can participate fully in the digital world without fear of harassment or intimidation.
We must not stand by idly while women are silenced and intimidated online. We urge the authorities to take a stand against online violence and harassment and create a digital world that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all.
