\u201cFor the freedom of Expression to be preserved, there is a need to look deeply into and tackle the deliberate misogyny and hate speech that is fast manifesting through gender misinformation\u201d this is according to Ms. Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights to Freedom of Opinion and Expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking during the APC members’ consultative meeting, Ms. Khan emphasized the need to contextualize such attacks, build resilience in communities to identify and counter those attacks and pay greater attention to internet companies whose objective is rooted in profit making, oblivious of the unintentional destruction caused to human lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Association for Progressive Communication (APC) members in Africa held a consultative meeting on the sidelines of the 17th<\/sup> Internet Governance Forum (IGF) that took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between 28th<\/sup> November and 2nd<\/sup> December 2022. The overarching theme for the 17IGF was \u201cResilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future<\/em>\u201d The team explored ways of addressing online gender-based violence (OGBV) alongside other thematic areas identified as key by APC https:\/\/www.apc.org\/en\/pubs\/apc-priorities-2022-<\/a> during the Internet Governance Forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LANGUAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n During the meeting it came out that in responding to increased cybercrime and online attacks, many African countries have enacted requisite laws to contain rising cases. However, the language contained in the various laws focuses more on the medium used than the victims. For example, Kenya\u2019s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act<\/a> do not give a clear definition of Online Gender Based Violence<\/em>-OGBV and how the law will be enforced. – instead, it focuses on electronic gadgets that are used to commit the crime. The same applies to the amendment bill before Parliament that seeks to equip law enforcement agencies with legal and forensic tools to tackle cybercrime. During deliberations at the Addis meeting, the Africa Commission on Human and Peoples\u2019 rights Resolution 522 was cited as one of the documents that come close to giving clear and practical definitions to OGBV including redress mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GENDER DISINFORMATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gender disinformation is a form of violence against women that is coordinated and robes women of their dignity and humanity. The attacks are often stereotypical and misogynistic to deliberately intimidate women and silence the critical voices of women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Women journalists and politicians are among those who have been targeted, through gender disinformation on various online platforms. The technology used in such platforms often shields perpetrators who use pseudonyms and as such remain anonymous. Simultaneous and direct feedback compounds the attacks that sometimes attract an online army that amplify the attack on various online platforms<\/p>\n\n\n\n RESPONSIBILITY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The responsibility to protect the freedom of expression lies with governments through the enactment of laws that ensure safe use of available spaces. This can only be achieved if governments prioritize internet use as a public good with its use harmonized to reflect national and human values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n