Doha, Qatar – A panel discussion hosted by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and the Qatar Lawyers Association addressed the growing issue of cyber violence against women, highlighting the need for enhanced legal protections and digital awareness. The event, held in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, brought together experts to explore the challenges and opportunities women face in the digital age.
The discussion, which took place on November 27, 2023, focused on the increasing prevalence of online harassment, blackmail, data theft, and other forms of digital abuse impacting women in Qatar and globally. Participants emphasized the importance of a coordinated national response to protect women and ensure their full participation in the digital economy.
The Dual Nature of the Digital Age for Women
The global digital transformation has undeniably opened doors for women in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, according to speakers at the event. However, this progress is shadowed by a rise in sophisticated forms of cyber violence that threaten their safety and well-being. These attacks, ranging from defamation and stalking to financial exploitation, can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.
Qatar’s Commitment to Digital Safety
HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of the NHRC, affirmed Qatar’s dedication to safeguarding women’s rights both online and offline. She stated that protecting women from digital threats is a national duty requiring collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Qatar’s recent accession to the Convention on Cybercrime demonstrates its commitment to combating these offenses.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that digital empowerment is a fundamental human right. Assistant Undersecretary for Family Affairs, HE Sheikha Sheikha bint Jassim bin Ahmed Al-Thani, linked the protection of women in digital spaces to broader human rights obligations, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
National Cybersecurity Initiatives
HE Abdulrahman bin Ali Al Farahid Al Malki, President of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), highlighted the increasing digital risks faced by society, particularly women. He stressed that societal stability is directly linked to the security of families and that digital empowerment is crucial for both safety and sustainability.
The NCSA has launched several initiatives aimed at bolstering digital safety for all citizens, with a specific focus on women and girls. The National Digital Safety Initiative has already benefited over 20,000 women and girls, providing awareness training and resources. Furthermore, nearly half of the participants (49%) in the National Cybersecurity Training Program were women, totaling over 24,000 individuals. The agency’s Cybersecurity Curriculum Project has reached 290,000 girls through schools, and annual summer camps provide specialized training for 200 more.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance digital literacy and promote responsible online behavior. The NCSA is also working to develop technologies and implement laws that ensure digital security and protect individuals from online harassment and other cybercrimes.
Legal Frameworks and Reporting Mechanisms
Asma Al Ghanem, Board Member of the Qatari Lawyers Association, emphasized the need for robust legislation to address the evolving landscape of digital violence. She advocated for an active judiciary specializing in cybercrimes and stronger partnerships between security and legal institutions. Al Ghanem also stressed the importance of building societal awareness to encourage reporting and provide support to victims.
The panel discussion concluded with a series of recommendations, including enhancing the national legislative framework, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and providing specialized training for security and judicial personnel. A key focus was on creating confidential platforms for women to report abuse without fear of stigma.
Looking ahead, the NHRC will work with relevant stakeholders to implement these recommendations and monitor their effectiveness. The development of a national database to track cases of cyber violence is also planned, which will help to identify trends and inform future policy decisions. The success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration and a sustained commitment to protecting women in the digital age, and the ongoing evaluation of the impact of the UN Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes will be crucial.
