WUNRN
http://www.wunrn.com
http://www.genderit.org/es/node/3219
WOMEN'S RIGHTS UNDER THREAT ONLINE & OFFLINE
Jac sm Kee - Focal point for APC WNSP's work on women's rights. She coordinates the EroTICS research (Exploratory Research on Sexuality and the Internet) and APC's "Take Back The Tech!" campaign.
November 2010
Women's rights to expression and information are increasingly under threat. The UN estimates that 95% of aggressive behaviour, harassment, abusive language and degrading images in online spaces are aimed at women.
As more and more women go online using computers and mobile phones, many are silenced through acts of violence, sexism and censorship. The first object that is destroyed by a violent partner is often the women's cellphone.
It's critical that we are able to speak out and share our ideas to challenge attitudes and beliefs that sustain violence against women.
Girl gamers have built online communities to counter the stereotype that only boys play video games. They post their thoughts, do game reviews and highlight games which are sexist. They are sending a clear signal to companies that produce games like Grand Theft Auto which includes rape of sex workers as part of its gaming strategy that this is completely unacceptable. And the video game industry is shifting its approach in game development to become more gender aware and inclusive.
It's critical that we are able to use the interneti to share information and opinions and document and tell our own stories including the stories of violence and discrimination that many women and girls face every day.
All too frequently websites that distribute information and call for support on women's rights are closed down.
The One Million Signature Campaign has been calling for the end of discrimination against women in Iran since 2007. Try accessing its multiple websites. They are consistently blocked.
Last year the Pink Chaddi campaign was launched as a peaceful protest against violent attacks of women who were accused to violating Indian “culture” for frequenting pubs. The campaign's online face was a vastly popular Facebook group which was consequently broken into and defaced. When the group owner complained to Facebook, Facebook disabled her account - instead of helping her retake control. The group now avoids Facebook.
This year, Take Back The Tech! calls for action to defend our right freedom of expression and information – the basic building blocks for us to be able to come together, organise for change, inform public debate, define culture, build safe spaces and end violence against women-- Take action! Take Back The Tech!
How can you Take Back The Tech!?
Check the website daily from November 25 to December 10 and take action. Get creative! Explore technology! Defend our right to freedom of expression & information! And Take Back the Tech!