3 Ways You Can Stop Women From Being Harassed And Abused Online

This weeks SHE INNOVATES PODCAST covers the online harassment and abuse powerful women face everyday. Faye Raincock, head of communications at global media agency Havas UK, shares compelling research on the topic, "Over six and a half million tweets involving abuse were sent over this time to these women. That is over 200 abusive tweets to each woman every single day.” 

One of the most surprising elements of the research was the gender of the perpetrators of this online abuse. The assumption might be that men are largely responsible but across all the areas of abuse there was very little difference between the number of men and women sending the messages. In fact, when it came to sexual harassment and body objectification, more than a third of the abusive posts our powerful women received were from an equal number of men and women.

Here are three things Faye Raincock says each of us can do to stop the online harassment of women: 

I would encourage everyone to consider some key rules for how they engage online. Firstly, never post abusive, sexually explicit or inappropriate comments but also stop and think about the language you use when on social media. I mean 140 little characters can still do a lot of damage!

Secondly, never tweet or post in anger. Put your phone down. Take a deep breath and then look at it again before you press send.

But lastly, and most importantly, support other women who call out their abusers online. Re-tweet their messages and share messages of support with your own followers. That way we can spread the word that we will not tolerate sexism online any longer.

To listen to the full episode click here SHE INNOVATES PODCAST  

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SHE Innovates is a podcast that shares the stories, challenges and triumphs of women across innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. Host Michelle King talks to a range of business leaders, innovators, thought leaders and celebrities including Zoe Saldana, Mika Brzezinski, Sarah Jessica Parker and many more. So join us on an exciting journey as we discover how women are innovating to advance equality, and how each of us can champion innovations that meet the needs of women and girls.

The SHE Innovates podcast is brought to you by Hueman  with support from SAP Next Gen.