Over 78 percent of women in Bangladesh have experienced technology-facilitated violence against women (TF-VAW), reveals a new study by NETZ Bangladesh.

The study found that 78.4 percent of these incidents occurred on Facebook, followed by 28 percent through messaging services, like WhatsApp and Imo.

These findings were presented at a roundtable discussion, titled "Towards Safer Digital Spaces: Enhancing Legal and Policy Responses to VAWG in Bangladesh," held at The Daily Star Centre yesterday. The event was jointly organised by The Daily Star and NETZ.

As per the findings, around 50 percent of women reported avoiding online activity or hiding their identities on social media due to safety concerns. Additionally, 35 percent of women reported experiencing mental health issues as a direct result of online harassment.

The study was conducted between July and November 2023 across eight districts with a sample size of 300 respondents.

Cyberbullying frequently escalates into blackmail, with perpetrators often targeting women for financial exploitation. Cyber harassment has also become a significant factor contributing to adolescent suicides. Addressing the gaps in existing laws and policies is essential to creating a safer cyberspace for everyone.

— Taherul Huq Chauhan Addl deputy IGP

At the programme, Taherul Huq Chauhan, additional deputy inspector general of police, highlighted the risks of unregulated online behaviour.

"The current generation often seeks popularity and trends on online platforms by sharing personal activities without fully understanding the potential consequences. In some cases, this includes sharing intimate or inappropriate content, which requires greater awareness," he said.

"Cyberbullying frequently escalates into blackmail, with perpetrators often targeting women for financial exploitation. Cyber harassment has also become a significant factor contributing to adolescent suicides. Addressing the gaps in existing laws and policies is essential to creating a safer cyberspace for everyone," he added.

Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman, additional secretary of ICT division and director general of National Cyber Security Agency, emphasised the importance of reinforcing social values, norms, and ethical education among the younger generation.

He stated, "Parents need to be more vigilant. Under the guise of education, children are being given smartphones, but it is the parents' responsibility to monitor the apps their children use. The government cannot do this for them. A nation cannot function solely through laws; our culture must take a proactive approach rather than a reactive one."

Speaking about including internet safety lessons in textbooks, he said it is not feasible to include everything in the curriculum.

"We have drafted a Cyber Security Ordinance and submitted it to the Cabinet. This ordinance will address issues such as freedom of speech, cyberbullying, and harassment," he added.

Md Monir Hossain, additional director (deputy secretary) of Department of Women Affairs at MOWCA, said, "The advancement and widespread use of technology has made women, especially teenagers and young women, more vulnerable to threats. This is also putting pressure on their education and mental development. The responsibility does not end with just formulating laws; this law needs to be enforced. It is also necessary to make everyone aware at the community level. Steps must also be taken on how to deal with online harassment urgently."

A few students from various districts shared their community's situation regarding tackling cyberbullying.

Jinat Ara Haque, chief executive of WE CAN, said, "In our society, parents only think about the safety of their daughters, but they should also think about their sons. Because girls are not responsible for violence against women."

"In addition to adopting new technologies, it is the responsibility of the government to conduct campaigns on cybersecurity and increase awareness about helplines," she added.

Masuma Billah, programme head of the gender, justice and diversity programme at BRAC, said, "Just as parents once married off girls to secure their place in society, we are now neglecting their digital security. We are restricting girls from accessing digital spaces and tools, which is widening the digital divide. If they are not digitally empowered, they will ultimately fall behind in the job market."

Nishath Sultana, director of influencing, campaign and communication of Plan International, and Hasne Ara Begum, social development and gender expert of Asian Development Bank, also spoke at the event.