Cyber bullies this week tried to so sully a high level United Nations (UN) Women webinar by streaming sexual images – in the very same meeting meant to discuss the online harassment of women and children.
The UN in a statement said that despite the best efforts by a small group of misogynists to derail the meeting, the meeting proceeded with 150 participants representing government, international partners, civil society organisations and business executives.
The meeting found that in the COVID-19 era, new types of violence are flourishing with perpetrators hiding behind anonymity.
These range from abusive online comments and cyber-harassment, to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes through social media and online imagery.
The UN and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is South Africa called for urgent action to combat online violence against women and girls.
UN Women executive director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, said the regrettable incident, of misogynists attempting to disrupt the meeting through streaming images of a sexual nature, was a reminder that no one is spared.
‘’If we truly want to achieve substantive, irreversible gender equality by 2030 it is important that all of the drivers of gender inequality are addressed,” Mlambo-Ngcuka said.
“I would see cyber violence as one of the new drivers of potential harmful gender inequalities. It is quite clear, however, that we will not realize this goal if we do not work in a coordinated manner.”
