Digital misogyny is no longer a possible threat to our lives. It is very much today’s reality. Last evening, we were aptly reminded that the evolving digital tech trends and innovations are happening fast, and while we have them to our advantage, they also present unmatched cyberthreats if we do not use digital spaces them with caution.
Here are a few of our takeaways from yesterday’s X Space:
1. Digital safety demands personal responsibility – personal education on safety is important. Safeguard your gadgets with secure settings – protect your passwords, devices and digital accounts. They are your personal property.
2. DO NOT overshare personal and explicit information online – violators are waiting to attack you. Do not give them that chance.
3. We can leverage AI for digital good through verifying information authenticity, informing progressive and gender-just algorithms and spreading love on the internet.
4. Tech platforms have a fundamental role to play in digital safety. They have the power to suppress digital abuse and cybercrimes. They should facilitate ease of reporting digital violence and as their consumers/users, we must hold them accountable in making these spaces safe for all.
5. Continuous education on digital platforms and safety is not optional, but very necessary. Now more than ever, actors must through concerted efforts, continuously facilitate digital safety learning especially among young women, who are disproportionately affected by online harassment.
As one of our speakers noted, “Violations start with intention – we can’t over blame AI. AI enables it. AI is not a magic weapon. The rootcause is us”, we at DadaPower urge us all to practice mindfulness in our use of digital spaces.
Many thanks to our speakers – Mary Wanjiru (YSO) and Japheth Ondiek (APP) and our colleague – Edith Macharia for the great moderation.
Forever in solidarity with GBV survivors, victims and everyone working to end all forms of GBV. Remember, technologically facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is real violence.
#16DaysOfActivism
