ISLAMABAD: A study has found that Pakistani women are hindered while using the internet by online harassment and recommends improved implementation of harassment safeguards in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.

The report, titled The Internet as we see it: Gendered Perceptions from Pakistan, was launched by Media Matters for Democracy on Tuesday. It found that a major concern for Pakistani users is the breach of data privacy.

The study found that women and men agree on the benefits of the internet, such as connectivity and access to information, but differ in their reactions to harassment and restrictions on online expression.

New study explores the differences between how women, men navigate digital spaces

It shed light on the challenges and opportunities of internet use in Pakistan, as well as the difference between how women and men navigate digital spaces.

The launch also featured a panel discussion on the access and use of the internet by women. Speakers included news anchor Maria Memon, tech entrepreneur Sidra Jalil and women’s rights activist Aisha Sarwari.

For the study, the authors conducted eight focus group sessions in Islamabad and Karachi, ensuring the including of men and women from various income groups.

The discussions from these sessions were used to evaluate the effects of internet usage in Pakistan and differences in internet perceptions across gender.

The study revealed that an overwhelming majority of research participants understood the importance of data privacy and surveillance.

Speaking on its findings, co-author Amel Ghani said: “Many believe that awareness and understanding of these issues in general users in Pakistan is low, but it was really interesting to see a rather deep understanding of these issues in the Pakistan user base.”

The study recommends several ways to make the internet a safer, more accessible space for users, especially women.

It suggests gender sensitivity training for law enforcement officials so that women facing online harassment feel confident initiating legal action against perpetrators.

The study also says internet companies should enact efficient mechanisms for reporting false information, and media and civil society organisations should raise awareness about how to protect against online disinformation.

Exploring the stigma around women’s open access to technology has been an eye opener, demonstrating how patriarchy’s impact is far reaching and transcends mediums, the participants said.

“The first step towards an inclusive internet is to acknowledge that there’s a spectrum of users online, and the discussion around bringing the digital gender divide is important to ensure that women and other gendered minorities can avail the opportunities that digital access provides,” Hija Kamran from Media Matters said.

Ms Sarwari said: “The perception that they will be labelled ‘bad’ women is preventing them from reaching financial mobility, accessing better health facilities, blocking their economic progress and their contributions to gross domestic progress.”

“Sadly women are so depressed and stressed to post anything on social media or online because they fear they are moderated all the time by someone in the family, workplace, society; they are being watched. Content is already being filtered out,” Ms Jalil, another panellist, added.

Ms Memon also said that social media platform Twitter had become toxic.

“It is the most interactive forum. Back in 2010, it used to be a casual platform, primary and basic. As a woman I hold back from opening up on social media. Mean and nasty comments have been hurled my way. Lately I have stopped reading them,” she said.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2019