Letter To Editor | Respecting Women Online

COVID-19 has pushed people to the digital universe, now, more than ever. This, however, does not mean that this proliferation has been entirely positive. With more people on the internet, it has also become a vulnerable space. It is especially true for women.

Women face a number of issues online. Stalking, trolling, harassment and blackmailing — to name a few.

Trolling, out of all these, is often brushed under the carpet and is trivialised. This trivialisation of trolling helps no one and is absolutely unacceptable. In a country like India, there is every chance that digital abuse can translate into physical harm. Women are already in danger here and add to that the access that internet gives to possible offenders.

Therefore, we must find ways to collaboratively call out abusive handles and ensure the safety of women on the internet. Additionally, vocal women need to be supported and protected because they’re always at the receiving end of hate. Moreover, those who aren’t aware of how to use internet safely, should also be educated.

Students should be taught provisions under law for digital offences from the school level itself. It is imperative to have an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that we give a safe internet to women.

Ameera Shah

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now

Be Part of Quality Journalism

Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast.

ACT NOW