No woman or girl should live in fear online. Women and girls deserve to be safe, and that safety must extend to digital spaces. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the Caribbean is a place where they can live, work and engage online free from fear, exploitation, and harassment.
The Caribbean Policy Development Centre, in reaffirming its commitment to Gender Equity, joins with the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from November 25 to December 10. This year, CPDC stands firmly in supporting the theme: UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls, highlighting the urgent need to address online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing and other technology-facilitated abuse.
Digital spaces have become central to communication, education and professional life in the Caribbean, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. For many women and girls, these spaces are meant to be a place of connection, economic empowerment, relaxation and creativity, such as scrolling Facebook, checking Instagram, marketing a small business or networking professionally. Yet these everyday activities are often disrupted by threats that violate their safety, freedom, and participation. According to CARICOM statistics (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices survey), 63%–76% of women and girls in Latin America and the Caribbean have experienced gender-based violence in different settings[1]. Globally, a UN Broadband Commission report (cited by Internet Society) finds that women are 27 times more likely than men to be victims of cyber violence[2].
CPDC therefore recognises digital violence as a human rights violation and a barrier to building inclusive, equitable and democratic societies. Thus, CPDC urges civil society organisations to take the lead in advocating for stronger protections, raising awareness, and providing support for survivors of digital violence. By working together with regional institutions, governments, and the private sector, civil society can help build safer, more inclusive digital environments across the Caribbean, ensuring that women and girls are allowed to interact on digital platforms without fear, exploitation or harassment.
Ways Civil Society Can Help:
- Advocate for stronger laws and policies to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
- Raise awareness through campaigns, workshops and educational activities on safe digital practices.
- Provide support services for survivors, including counselling, legal assistance, and safe reporting mechanisms.
- Partner with digital technology platforms to improve reporting systems, content moderation and digital safety tools.
- Collaborate across sectors, sharing resources and building networks to promote safe and inclusive digital spaces.
The safety, dignity and freedom of Caribbean women and girls must extend to all digital spaces. It is only by protecting their rights, listening to their voices and empowering them to participate fully in society that we can work towards a truly inclusive, equitable and safe Caribbean for everyone. Let us stand up for our daughters, sisters, mothers and friends.
