In the words of Branislava Arađan: “Online harassment can hinder young women’s participation in public discussions and activism”

Branislava Arađan, a 31-year-old law graduate and human rights activist from Novi Sad, Serbia, has devoted over a decade to advocating for youth rights and empowerment through her work with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Passionate about supporting young people, she founded an NGO focused on gender equality, advocacy, campaigning, and digital safety for girls. In November 2021, she joined the Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE) Network as a Project and Youth Ambassador Coordinator, where she supports the WAVE Youth Ambassadors, including their “I am Women/Girl in Cyberspace” campaign and other key initiatives.

Branislava participated in the second youth and adolescent dialogue in preparation for the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. During the event, she highlighted the rising exposure of young women and girls to online violence and harmful stereotypes, which can reinforce stigma while they use technology for learning, accessing information, and connecting with peers.

“Digital spaces can be powerful tools for learning and a platform for young women to voice their opinions and connect with like-minded individuals. Social media enable discussions on crucial topics like reproductive rights, climate change, and migration, and facilitates rapid social mobilization when action is needed. However, these spaces also come with significant risks, as they can be hostile and dangerous. Young women who speak up online are often met with harassment and misogyny, mirroring offline experiences.

One major misconception about online harassment is that it is a gender-neutral issue, but it disproportionately affects girls and young women. A global study found that 58% of girls who participated faced online violence, and data shows that in Europe, young women between 18 and 29 years old are particularly at risk. Another misconception is that online violence is regularly seen as a one-time incident, when in reality, it often is a continuum of abuse that begins in real life and is amplified through digital means. This highlights the deep connection between online and offline forms of violence, both rooted in systemic gender-based discrimination against women and inequality.

Different actors have a part to play in acknowledging and ending online violence. Schools and education systems play a crucial role by providing digital literacy education and creating a safe digital learning environment. Curricula should cover topics like recognizing and combating cyberbullying, managing digital footprint, and safeguarding online privacy. Additionally, educational systems should encourage critical thinking, empowering young people to engage with online content responsibly. Schools should team up with parents and caregivers to raise awareness of online risks and cybersafety, particularly for young girls.

As a youth activist for the past decade, I have witnessed how online harassment can hinder young women’s participation in public discussions and activism, and even deter them from pursuing human rights careers that require an online presence. The fear and experience of online violence often led to self-censorship, silence on certain topics, or reduced online presence, which excludes important voices from public discourse. However, facing harassment can also foster connections and support networks, where young women come together to uplift each other, share coping strategies, and reclaim public space.

As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it is clear that while there have been significant advancements in bridging gender gaps in education, the pandemic-driven shift to digital learning has exposed the gender digital divide and disparities in technology access for women and girls. A multi-sectoral approach and gender analysis are essential for creating a safe digital learning environment for young girls. This includes addressing policy and legal shortcomings and developing digital solutions to prevent and address online violence against women and girls. Moreover, with the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on online safety, it is essential to ensure that AI usage is ethical, transparent, accountable, and free from gender biases.”