Technology-Facilitated Violence and Abuse Against Women Human Rights Defenders: An (in)visible Threat to Women’s Human Rights and Human Security

This chapter explores the disruptive impact of Technology-Facilitated Violence and Abuse (TFVA) against Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) on their human rights and human security. The internet, once hailed as a democratic space, now mirrors offline gendered violence, particularly against women and girls. While digital technologies provide WHRDs with avenues for advocacy and resistance, these spaces have also become rife with increased TFVA. In light of this, the chapter critiques the lack of comprehensive research and data on TFVA, advocating for a bottom-up approach that incorporates victim-survivors’ narratives. The chapter also evaluates existing legal frameworks and offers recommendations for stakeholders to address TFVA effectively. By drawing on the personal narratives of fifteen WHRDs worldwide, the chapter highlights the need for gender-responsive policies to protect WHRDs and their digital existence. Ultimately, it aims to bridge the gap between academic research and activist work, amplifying the voices of WHRDs fighting for human rights despite facing continuous gender-based violence.