Women in journalism, activism more vulnerable to cyberattacks: survey

Women engaged in “ideological” professions, such as journalism and human rights activism, face a higher rate of cyberattacks, a survey by the non-governmental organisation Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment, or VOICE, reveals.

The survey highlights that these online abuses are having a “profound” impact on the real lives of the victims.

At an information-sharing session held at the VOICE office in Dhaka’s Shyamoli on Saturday, the organisation’s Project Manager Promiti Prova Chowdhury presented key findings.

The survey analysed 13 incidents that occurred after October.

Promiti said, “Women involved in ideological work, such as journalists, human rights activists, or those making remarkable contributions in their respective fields, are more frequently subjected to cyberattacks.”

She added that women participating in Anti-discrimination Student Movements experienced widespread harassment on social media, which has severely affected their real lives.

“Since the government change, many have refrained from discussing political ideologies or exercising free speech online.”

The session also revealed that more than 60,000 people have sought assistance from the Police Cyber Support for Women, or PCSW, over the past three and a half years until May 2024.

Of the victims, 41 percent had their personal information exposed online or experienced doxing, 18 percent had their Facebook accounts hacked, 17 percent were blackmailed, and 9 percent were harassed “in disguise”.

Executive Director of VOICE Ahmed Swapan Mahmud said, “Raising public awareness is one of the most effective tools in combating sexual harassment in the digital world.”

“Raising awareness about the different types of online violence, its impact, and the related laws is crucial.

“Social media campaigns and workshops are essential to inform the public,” he added.