As the world continues to evolve and expand in the use of technology and platforms, so too does the expansion of spaces through which violence can be perpetrated. This was evidenced no more so than during the COVID-19 pandemic where containment efforts reduced access to information and services driving increased use of technology and online spaces. This paper serves as an alarm bell for the international community, digital and feminist movements, private technology companies and national Governments to act in unison to end the rising scourge of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
On behalf of the UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund wish to acknowledge the contribution of their valuable time and expertise in discussions and technical review including Dr Suzie Dunn, Assistant Professor in Law & Technology at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, Sophie Read-Hamilton, Independent GBV Consultant and Chandra Pauline Daniel Ph.D. Doctorate Program in Public Health-Health Policy & Management, New York Medical College; Strategic Plan Results Analysis Intern- PSIPB-Policy and Strategy Division, UNFPA.
This report was produced by the UNFPA Technical Division, Gender and Human Rights Branch under the technical leadership of Alexandra Robinson. Co-authors of the paper are Alexandra Robinson and Nora Piay- Fernandez with review from Sarah Baird, Mar Jubero, Dawn Minott and Jude Larnerd.
