DIGITAL GENDER DYNAMICS AND ONLINE HARRASSMENT

Enerst Moyenda, Student

Digital gender dynamics refers to how gender works online. However, it is known that there is a lot of online harassment , such as cyber bullying, cyber stalking and online sexual exploitation that affects the targeted gender, resulting in gender based discrimination, predominantly affecting women and gender minorities. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate how digital platforms can mitigate online harassment and promote inclusive gender dynamics.The analysis involved conducting interviews with few online users, in which some participants shared their personal experiences. Additionally, the study utilized data collected from 'Unilia: A Survey of Cyber Violence in Malawi'.The findings show that most women and gender minorities experience more online harassment and the majority of online gender harassment incidents go unreported and unsolved.These challenges can be addressed by implementing AI-powered moderation tools to detect gendered harassment, creating safe spaces for individuals to share their online experiences, and providing support for those affected.Through these efforts, the world can significantly reduce online harassment and gendered abuse, empowering women and gender minorities to participate freely and confidently online. To this end , it is recommended that digital platforms must prioritize gender inclusivity and safety, ensuring a secure and welcoming online environment for all users.

Keywords: Gender Dynamics

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