• Women MPs’ Caucus notes need to improve internet accessibility and anti-digital GBV regulations

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) noted that complaints made to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) by distressed individuals and parents, where the victims in most such instances were women and girls, reached a record high in society subsequent to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Caucus, issuing a message to commemorate International Women’s Day which falls today (8) and is being celebrated on the theme of “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, proposed to develop a more effective and efficient complaint and investigative mechanism to regulate gender-based violence (GBV) on digital platforms in order to safeguard the wellbeing and dignity of women and girls, noting also the necessity of building awareness on digital GBV and safe means of using digital platforms among the general public. 

The Caucus’ Chairperson Opposition MP Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle stated: “This day is observed with an overall objective of promoting the understanding of issues faced by women striving for greater gender equality and women’s empowerment. It is crucial in creating public awareness of women’s rights and issues faced by women, and it is a powerful advocacy tool to mobilise political will and resources to realise gender equality and women’s empowerment. With the advancement of technology and globalisation, the challenges that women face have altered. However, prejudices and stereotypical beliefs still stand in the way of women realising their full potential. A considerable part of the country is prevented from accessing the internet altogether due to problems ranging from connectivity issues to the inability to purchase digital devices due to economic constraints. This is particularly detrimental to children in a context where online education has become the new norm. It also appears that in instances where a family could afford just one device, the male child is given preference over the female child to use the device due to prejudicial beliefs. It is reported worldwide that digital literacy is lower for women than for men due to the limitations faced by women in their access to devices, networks, and data. Furthermore, if not used correctly, the internet could easily become a medium propagating violence and harassment. The Caucus has therefore strengthened its efforts to initiate discussions to mobilise resources for improved accessibility to the internet and to improve regulations to prevent digital GBV.”