<
https://citizenlab.ca/2024/12/the-weaponization-of-gender-for-the-purposes-of-digital-transnational-repression/>
"Building upon our prior research and the contributions of other scholars to
this field, the aim of this novel study is to understand the security risks and
harms caused by digital transnational repression against exiled and diaspora
women human rights defenders. We use the term “women human rights defenders”
broadly to describe women in exile or in the diaspora working on any human
rights issue in relation to their country of origin. This includes human rights
activists and individuals who may not self-identify as human rights defenders
per se, such as journalists, researchers, or other members of the public. The
focus of our research is on human rights defenders who identify as women
(cis/trans), non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
Drawing on the lived experiences of 85 women human rights defenders originating
from 24 countries of origin (which we also refer to as home countries in the
report) and residing in 23 host countries (which we also refer to as countries
of residence or host states), we examine how gender and sexuality play a
central role in digital transnational repression. We refer to this specific
dimension of transnational repression as
gender-based digital transnational
repression. This study contributes to existing research on transnational
repression and authoritarianism by investigating the specific ways in which
state and state-affiliated actors deploy digital technologies and weaponize
gender as a tool of repression against women human rights defenders residing
outside their countries of origin. We shed light on new forms of
technology-facilitated gender-based violence against political exiles and
diaspora members and the impacts of this practice on targeted individuals and
communities.
We find that exiled and diaspora women human rights defenders targeted through
digital transnational repression face not only the same digital threats as men
human rights defenders, but also gender-specific forms of online harassment,
abuse, and intimidation. These threats lead to disproportionate harms that
range from professional setbacks, stigmatization, and social isolation to the
erosion of intimate relationships, profound emotional distress, and
psychological trauma. Gender-based digital transnational repression also
frequently involves the amplification and exploitation of entrenched
patriarchal norms around women’s bodies, sexuality, behaviour, and notions of
family honor, potentially leading to further forms of violence and
discrimination."
Via Violet Blue’s
Cybersecurity Roundup: December 3, 2024
https://www.patreon.com/posts/cybersecurity-3-117190768
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
