171 co-signatories call for urgent action on the impact of digital & technological change on women and girls

Click here to read the statement and policy recommendations in full.

The statement calls attention to the need to address patriarchal patterns of masculinity in online spaces. In doing so, we aim to center—and act in solidarity with—those most impacted by online inequity, harm and abuse, including women of color, LGBTQI groups and those experiencing intersecting forms of discrimination and marginalization.

The statement was developed alongside the MenEngage Alliance Global Advocacy Working Group as part of advocacy efforts at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), and ahead of International Women’s Day 2023. In particular, it calls on men in positions of power, to make bold and progressive commitments to advance women’s rights and gender justice at CSW67.

What is in the statement?

The statement covers a range of issues including:

• Addressing the proliferation of misogynistic online groups, spaces and narratives, often referred to as the ‘manosphere’
• Preventing, eliminating, and responding to online gender-based violence, including male perpetration of digital harassment and sexual abuse
• Promoting non-violent actions, attitudes and values by men and boys, and encouraging them to take active part in efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of Sexual and Gender-based Violence in the digital sphere.
• Broadening access to digital tools and technologies for marginalized groups
• Accountability of digital platforms in addressing online harm

A tool for accountable advocacy

It is hoped that the statement and policy recommendations will be a useful tool for those advocating for gender justice, women’s rights, and LGBTQI rights. It can be used directly with policy-makers from local, to national, to international levels. In particular, it calls attention to how masculinities and male-engagement can be included in accountable ways that support the goals fo gender justice for all.

The statement is addressed to all Governments at CSW, all UN agencies, and the UN Secretary General. It was sent, together with its named co-signatories,  to various policy makers at CSW67 to put pressure on decision-makers to advance women’s rights and gender justice.

The statement can be used in the weeks, months, and years after CSW67 as an advocacy tool. Members and partners of MenEngage Alliance are encouraged to send it their own governments and regional bodies to amplify the demands at multiple levels.

 

Photo Credit: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images/Images of Empowerment