16 Days of Activism: Spotlight on Online Gender-Based Violence

Dec 10

*Image credit: Urban Innovative Actions*

As the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence draws to a close (25 November – 10 December), the call to address (Online) gender-based violence (OGBV) has never been more urgent. This year’s theme, “Every 11 Minutes, One Woman Is Killed: UNITE to End Violence Against Women,” shines a spotlight on the persistent violence and discrimination women endure across both physical and digital realms. The choice of dates is symbolic, emphasizing the deep connection between women’s rights and human rights. November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, while December 10th commemorates Human Rights Day, which celebrates the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This timeline reminds us that gender equality is central to universal human rights and the campaign serves as a global rallying cry for immediate and sustained action.

Online Gender-Based Violence

Globally, social media platforms have become hotspots for Online Gender Based Violence. OGBV encompasses a range of harmful behaviors perpetrated through digital platforms which particularly affect marginalized groups such as women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Such behaviors include cyberstalking, trolling, doxxing, outing, blackmailing, disinformation, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and gendered hate speech. Such abuse aims to intimidate, silence, or harm individuals based on their gender and can result in physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm (Istanbul Convention, Art. 3). As our reliance on online and digital communication grows, new forms of violence have emerged in these spaces.

Evidence shows that women bear a disproportionate burden of this abuse. A study by NIKK (2016) revealed that 69% of reported cases of online violence target women, underscoring the pervasive gender imbalance in digital harassment. Studies by Amnesty International indicate that 85% of women who spend time online have witnessed acts of online violence, and 38% have been directly targeted. A more recent report from Plan International found that 58% of girls globally have faced online harassment, with 50% reporting that they experience more harassment online than in public spaces (Plan International, 2020). The disparities are even more pronounced among women of color. Amnesty International research from 2018 revealed that Black, Asian, Latin, and mixed-race women were 34% more likely than white women to be mentioned in abusive or hostile content. Black women faced the highest levels of targeting, being 84% more likely than white women to be mentioned in tweets containing repeated, harmful, or hostile messages underscoring the intersectional nature of online abuse and the heightened vulnerability of marginalized groups. In Norway, public figures such as politicians and journalists from minority backgrounds report experiencing this layered abuse. For instance, Hadia Tajik, a high-profile politician, has endured persistent online harassment due to her stance on contentious issues like immigration and Islam. Such abuses undermine democratic participation and gender equality and underscores the need for tailored interventions (Council of Europe, 2022; 2023).

Understanding the Drivers of OGBV

OGBV persists due to several interrelated factors including: anonymity (the ability to act anonymously emboldens perpetrators, allowing them to evade accountability), algorithmic amplification (social media algorithms prioritize engagement over safety, often amplifying harmful content), patriarchal attitudes (deep-rooted gender biases target women who challenge traditional norms), inadequate legal frameworks (gaps in legislation and enforcement enable perpetrators to act without consequences), and intersectionality (Intersectionality compounds the risks of OGBV. Women from minority communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities often face harassment that combines sexism, racism, and xenophobia). The cumulative effect of these factors creates an online environment hostile to women and gender minorities, limiting their well-being, freedom of expression and participation in society.

Social Media Platforms and Law Enforcement

Social media companies hold significant responsibility in both enabling and combating OGBV. Its prevalence is exacerbated by social media platforms’ failure to effectively address it. While many platforms have introduced guidelines to curb hate speech, enforcement remains inconsistent and inadequate. Profit motivated algorithms designed to maximize engagement often prioritize divisive, controversial, or hateful content, thereby amplifying harm and fostering an environment that perpetuates abuse. Social media platforms must prioritize safety over profit. Mandatory transparency reports, robust content moderation, and meaningful partnerships with NGOs are essential steps toward holding these platforms accountable (Amnesty International, 2023) and creating a safer online environment.

Victims frequently encounter slow or ineffective responses to their complaints from law enforcement, which exacerbates their trauma and reinforces a culture of silence for victims and impunity for perpetrators (Amnesty International, 2023). An international study by APC revealed that although 69% of online gender-based violence (OGBV) cases were reported to authorities, fewer than half (41%) were investigated. In Norway, the National Strategy Against Hate Speech (2016–2020) found that only 17% of hate speech offenses were reported to the police. The low reporting rate was attributed to a lack of trust in law enforcement and doubts about the effectiveness of its methods (NIKK, 2016; SOCYTI research 2023-24). These findings highlight systemic barriers within legal and institutional frameworks. While Norway’s efforts to implement the Istanbul Convention have been commended, the Council of Europe’s GREVIO group has identified critical shortcomings in addressing digital violence (Council of Europe, 2022). Strengthening Legislation involves enhancing laws to explicitly address OGBV and ensure perpetrators face consequences.

The SOCYTI Research Project and The Call to Action

Online gender-based violence undermines human rights, silences marginalized voices and perpetuates inequality. However, it is not insurmountable. Norway is home to innovative efforts to combat OGBV. The SOCYTI project, funded by the Norwegian Research Council, is developing a real-time AI tool to address online hate speech, including gender-based abuse. Through its empirical explorations, the project also highlights the unique contributions of multi-stakeholders within different sectors in Norway. The multistakeholder effort underscore the significant role of legal, technological, communicative, educational and support structures and strategies to effectively and collaboratively tackle digital violence. While positive strides are being made in R&D, practice, policy and Education, more needs to be done to meet the ever-changing scope, nature and impact OGBV.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence provides a vital opportunity to galvanize collective efforts and transform the digital space into one of empowerment and inclusivity. Expanding digital literacy programs and integrating them into school curricula can empower young people to navigate online spaces safely. Public awareness campaigns like #IkkeGreit (“Not Okay”) should be scaled to reach broader multicultural audiences. Comprehensive support systems, including psychological counseling, legal aid, and accessible reporting mechanisms, are crucial for helping victims reclaim their voices. Tailored interventions addressing the unique cross-cutting vulnerabilities of marginalized groups must be prioritized to ensure inclusivity.

Through sustained investments in R&D, education, legal reform, victim support, and technological innovation, societies can reclaim the internet as a safe and equitable space for all. Let this campaign inspire action and ensure that the principles of equality, safety, and dignity prevail in the digital realm.

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