December 9, 2024
Sarah Adly

We now live in a world where modern technology has made us a small, borderless village, where the virtual world plays an indispensable role in various fields: politics, economy, health, education, culture, etc. Every woman now has an expanded human right with multiple spaces to express her opinions, personality, identity, culture, and interests. However, not every modern woman’s story ends happily, especially when some unsavory individuals and extortionists lie in wait for women on the internet and mobile phones, just as in real life. 

In the age of satellites and digital technology, digital violence has become an increasing phenomenon affecting many women in Egypt and most countries around the world. In a survey conducted by Plan International and published by the Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity on its website, the survey revealed that about 50% of girls reported being subjected to electronic harassment (a form of digital violence) more frequently than street harassment, and about 58% of females in Egypt experienced electronic harassment.

Digital violence is defined as “any act of violence against women committed using mobile phones, the internet, text messages, emails, or social media.” The United Nations Women organization has identified six main forms of digital violence against women:

1. Hacking: Misuse of technological tools to unlawfully and illegally access the woman’s systems or accounts to obtain personal information about her, alter or modify her information, or defame and slander the targeted victim.

2. Impersonation: Misuse of technology to assume the identity of the female victim or another person to access private information or embarrass the victim, shame her, or communicate with her or create fake identity documents.

3. Tracking: Misuse of technology to stalk and monitor the activities and behaviors of the female victim, either in real-time or past events.

4. Harassment: Misuse of technology for continuous communication, annoyance, threats, or intimidation of the female victim, which is repetitive and ongoing rather than a one-time incident, through constant calls, text messages, voicemail, or emails.

5. Recruitment: Misuse of technology to attract potential female victims into violent situations, such as fraudulent job advertisements on social media or job opportunity sites.

6. Distribution of Annoying Materials: Misuse of technology to process and distribute defamatory and illegal materials related to the female victim.

After reviewing these abusive patterns, I tell you that you are stronger than this digital violence if you take several bold steps to protect yourself from all these forms of violence. 

When you are subjected to any form of digital violence, you must take bold and effective steps to protect yourself and confront the perpetrators. Here are the most important steps you should take immediately:

1. Gather Evidence: Save all messages, emails, and screenshots that prove digital violence, along with any unknown numbers that bother and threaten you. This evidence will be crucial if you decide to take legal action.

2. Inform the Authorities: Contact the relevant authorities in your country, such as the police or agencies concerned with electronic violence, to file an official complaint. You can specifically identify these relevant authorities in your country by searching keywords on the internet like: “Internet Security Investigations – Extortion Report.”

3. Seek Support: Reach out to your loyal family members and trusted friends for emotional and moral support. Talking about your experience with people you trust can be extremely helpful.

4. Connect with NGOs: Search online in your country for non-governmental organizations that offer support and assistance to women facing digital violence. These organizations are established to provide legal support, counseling, and psychological assistance specifically for you.

5. Secure Personal Accounts: Change the passwords of your social media accounts, emails, and mobile phone, and use effective protection measures such as two-factor authentication. Regularly update long, complex, and difficult-to-crack passwords and enable higher privacy settings for your personal accounts on social media.

6. Increase Awareness and Education: Familiarize yourself with your personal rights and how to protect yourself on the internet and mobile phones by reading articles and participating in valuable and useful awareness workshops and seminars.

7. Speak Out Publicly: If you have sufficiently recovered and feel safe again, you can speak out about your experience to raise awareness among other women and encourage them to take preventive measures to protect themselves from this abusive violence.

8. Continue Self-Care: Ensure you take care of yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically. Prayer, exercise, meditation, and engaging in activities you enjoy can greatly help in overcoming and reducing the stress and anxiety resulting from experiencing digital violence.

In conclusion, dear woman, if you experience any form of digital violence, do not be afraid to seek help. Family and psychological support can have a significant impact on recovering from your experience with digital violence. Be extra cautious when sharing personal information, photos, documents, and movements on the internet and social media platforms. 

Be well-informed about the laws, procedures, organizations, and campaigns that support you in your country, such as the National Council for Women in Egypt, the “Matskotesh” campaign, the “Atkalmy” campaign, and also the “Al Seka Aman” campaign that empowers women to confront violence, especially digital violence. In addition, Women of Egypt Initiative also provides assistance to victims of digital violence.

Finally, always remember, dear “She,” that real strength lies in the determination and courage to face challenges and defend your rights. Gaining more awareness and knowledge can turn any difficult experience into an opportunity for growth and development.

Sara Ashraf Adly 

Human Development Trainer NTI-Nlp