"Is the Internet Really Safe for Women?"

In an increasingly digital world, online safety is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Yet, for many women, the internet remains a space of risk rather than empowerment. According to research, one in five women have reported harm online, and women are significantly more vulnerable to cyber abuse, harassment, and gender-based online threats than men. Despite this, women are less likely to receive or act upon online safety advice tailored to their specific needs.

So, what can we do to bridge this gender gap and create a safer online environment for women? Based on recent findings from researchers including Magdalene Ng of the University of Westminster, here are six actionable strategies to make the internet safer for women.

1. Encourage Community Support

Women are more likely than men to seek online safety advice from friends, family, or face-to-face sources. This underscores the need to support community-based NGOs that work directly with women and girls. Organizations like End Violence Against Women provide specialized, accessible support grounded in the lived experiences of women. These NGOs should receive sustained government and institutional funding to expand their reach and impact.

2. Make Online Safety Advice More Accessible

Current advice is often buried under technical jargon, making it hard for the average user to understand. Simplifying language, prioritizing critical tips, and making this guidance available on platforms women use—like YouTube, social media, and online forums—can vastly improve uptake and digital resilience.

3. Tailor Advice to Women’s Real-World Scenarios

Women face distinct threats like cyberflashing, doxxing, intimate image abuse, and online stalking. Safety advice must go beyond general threats and speak directly to these scenarios, ideally through channels women already trust. Collaborating with platforms to push this advice widely—not just on NGO websites—can boost awareness and early prevention.

4. Create Safe Online Communities

Women who experience online harm often need supportive, non-judgmental spaces to process trauma and regain digital confidence. Creating women-only digital forums or support groups can foster empowerment through shared experiences and peer-to-peer learning.

5. Empower Women with Digital Skills

Training women and girls in digital safety should begin early—in schools, libraries, and community centers. Courses must be free, accessible, and easy to navigate. These programs can include topics like using VPNs, recognizing phishing scams, setting strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication.

6. Assess Gender Risk Before Launching New Tech

Before launching new platforms or features, developers and policymakers must assess potential gender-based risks. Including women’s voices and gender experts in early-stage design can help preempt online abuse. Just as we scrutinize AI for bias, every emerging digital tool should be evaluated through a gender lens.

Comparison: Men vs Women in Online Safety Behaviors

Source: University of Westminster study, 2024

Behavior

Women (%)

Men (%)

Seek safety advice from friends/family

76%

24%

Use online sources for safety advice

38%

70%

Use basic protection (e.g., passwords)

High

Moderate

Use advanced tools (e.g., VPNs, firewalls)

Low

High

Conclusion

Online safety is a fundamental human right and must be inclusive by design. Making the internet safer for women requires not just better tools, but better education, community involvement, and gender-aware policy development. By taking these six steps, we can build a digital world where women feel as safe and empowered online as they deserve to be.

References:

1.       Ng, M., & University of Westminster Research Study on Online Safety (2024).

2.       End Violence Against Women Coalition – https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk

3.       UK Online Safety Act (2023).

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