Online violence against women in Asia

A MULTICOUNTRY STUDY

This study on ICT VAWG was conducted from July to December 2019 in five Asian countries: India, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. In each country, the research looked at the manifestations of ICT VAWG, the measures (legislation, policies and programmes) taken by States and ICT intermediaries to both prevent and respond to it, and perceptions of civil society organizations (CSOs).Although this report is based on research conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it assumes greater relevance given how critical ICT has become in rethinking ways of communicating, working, conducting business, managing family life, and accessing services, facilities and justice. On the positive side, social distancing, movement restrictions and lockdowns imposed across the globe have led to opportunities for flexible work hours and work from home, and increased time with children, all of which have been part of women’s demands for decades.

Not surprisingly, however, users with limited digital skills, predominantly women and girls, are more at risk of ICT VAWG. Schoolchildren who spend more time online may also be at risk, including from online sexual exploitation.