protecting women.

In Pakistan’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, women confront a harrowing new frontier: technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). While digital platforms promise education, employment, and civic engagement, they also serve as tools for cyber harassment, stalking, and deepfake exploitation, threatening women’s freedom and participation. Alarmingly, 90% of harassment cases filed with the FIA involve women, and nearly half of working women report facing online abuse, some leaving their jobs due to the psychological toll. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), though enacted in 2016, inadequately addresses TFGBV, with limited enforcement capabilities and procedural barriers, particularly for rural women. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing enforcement, and collaborating with tech companies are imperative steps toward a safer digital space for women.

Addressing TFGBV demands a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, tech companies, and civil society. Legal reforms must close existing loopholes, while the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing requires more resources and gender-sensitivity training. Social media platforms must be held accountable for sharing data and implementing robust content moderation. Furthermore, providing accessible support services like counseling and digital literacy training can empower victims. Public awareness campaigns will also play a crucial role in shifting societal norms. Ensuring a safe digital environment is not just about protecting victims—it’s about unlocking the full potential of women, fostering an equitable society where no one is left behind.

Overview:

This article highlights the pervasive issue of TFGBV in Pakistan, emphasizing its detrimental impact on women’s mental well-being, education, and careers. It underscores the gaps in existing legal frameworks and the need for comprehensive reforms to combat this growing menace.

Notes:

This article provides in-depth analysis of the critical issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Pakistan, highlighting its devastating impact on women’s mental well-being, education, and professional lives. It emphasizes the alarming statistics: 85% of women globally face online harassment, while in the Asia-Pacific region, this number climbs to 88%. In Pakistan, 70% of female students report harassment, and 45% of working women encounter online abuse, with many leaving their jobs due to the psychological toll. The article underscores the shortcomings of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, pointing out its limited capacity to address TFGBV and the lack of resources within the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing. The suggested solutions include comprehensive legal reforms, better-equipped enforcement agencies, and closer collaboration with technology companies to create safer digital spaces.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Gender Studies: Gender-based violence, women’s empowerment.
• Current Affairs: Digital rights, cybercrime legislation.
• Law: Legal frameworks addressing cybercrime.

Notes for Beginners:

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) involves online abuse like harassment, stalking, and harmful deepfakes targeting women. This can force women to withdraw from social media, education, or jobs. For example, a student might leave school due to online threats. Although Pakistan’s cybercrime law (Peca) exists, it lacks specific protections for TFGBV and is not well-enforced, especially in rural areas. Strengthening laws and raising awareness are key to creating safer digital spaces.

Facts and Figures

• 85% of women globally experience online harassment.
• 90% of harassment complaints in Pakistan are filed by women.
• Only 144 FIA officers handle cybercrime cases for 240 million people.

In short, Ensuring digital safety for women is important for fostering an inclusive and equitable society. Robust legal frameworks, empowered law enforcement, and collaborative efforts with technology companies are vital to curbing TFGBV and unlocking women’s full potential in Pakistan’s digital future.

Difficult Words and Meanings