Standing Together: Combating Online Gender-Based Violence

Tackling Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

A Mark: The Dark Side of Technology's Double-Edged Sword

Technology has connected us in ways that were once unimaginable. But as much as it has brought us closer, it has also created spaces where women and marginalized groups, face new threats. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is one of those threats—one that affects people globally and often goes unnoticed. It’s essential that we stand together, support one another, and work towards creating safer online environments. This is an issue that should concern us all, and it’s on all of us to make a difference.

The internet, for all its benefits, can be a dangerous place for many. TFGBV comes in many forms—cyberstalking, online harassment, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, to name just a few. These acts are not just inconvenient; they are traumatic, often leaving lasting scars that go beyond the digital realm.

Online abuse is a silent epidemic, and the numbers are staggering: according to the UN, 1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and a growing portion of that violence is taking place online. The digital world, which should be a space for expression and opportunity, is too often a place of fear and silence for many.

This is why it’s so important that we recognize our role in combating TFGBV. It’s not enough to be aware—we need to be active allies, using our voices and actions to create safer spaces for everyone.

A Brand: Bumble Inc. ’s Blueprint for Digital Safety

Bumble is a brand that’s made headlines for its unique approach to dating, but it’s also setting a standard for how tech companies can protect their users. By allowing women to make the first move, Bumble shifts the power dynamics in a way that promotes safety and respect. But their commitment to protecting users goes beyond just this feature.

• Photo Verification: In a world where people can easily hide behind fake profiles, Bumble’s photo verification process helps ensure that users are who they say they are. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in creating a safer environment.
• AI-Powered Safety Features: Bumble uses AI to detect and block harassment before it even reaches the user. Whether it's inappropriate language or unsolicited images, their technology is designed to stop harmful behavior in its tracks. This proactive approach shows that technology can be a force for good when used thoughtfully.
• Advocacy Beyond the App: Bumble’s impact goes beyond its platform. The company actively advocates for stronger laws to combat online harassment and partners with organizations that fight for gender equality. Their approach isn’t just about improving their app—it’s about making the internet a safer place for everyone. Bumble’s influence has also inspired other tech companies to adopt similar safety features, demonstrating their leadership in the industry.

What Bumble has done is create a model for how companies can—and should—be responsible for the safety of their users. They are not just providing a service; they are leading a movement. This is the kind of leadership we need in the tech industry, and it’s an example that other companies should follow.

An Impact: Turning Awareness into Concrete Action

While Bumble has set a strong precedent, the responsibility to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence extends beyond any one platform. Here’s how companies and individuals can take specific, impactful steps to drive change:

As a Consumer: Demand Accountability and Safer Experiences

• As consumers, we have a voice, and it matters. Choosing platforms that prioritize safety, like Bumble, is one way to support positive change. But we can also do more—speak out when platforms fail to protect their users, engage in conversations about online safety, and encourage others to do the same. When we demand better, companies will have to listen.

As a Professional: Advocate for Ethical Tech Practices

• In our professional lives, we can play a critical role in enhancing digital safety. Whether we work in tech, marketing, or any field that interacts with online platforms, advocating for AI-driven harassment prevention tools and clear reporting mechanisms can make a real difference. Beyond that, supporting gender sensitivity training and pushing for corporate responsibility in online safety are ways we can contribute to a safer digital world.

As an Entrepreneur: Build a Culture of Safety and Trust

• If you’re an entrepreneur, safety should be at the heart of what you do. From the beginning, prioritize features that protect your users—whether that’s identity verification, AI tools to prevent harassment, or simple reporting systems. But it’s not just about the technology; it’s about the culture you create. Partner with advocacy groups, champion regulations that protect vulnerable users, and lead by example. When safety is built into your business model, you build trust—and that’s invaluable.

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is a difficult and pervasive issue, but it’s one that we can address together. Bumble’s example shows that tech companies have a crucial role to play, but they can’t do it alone. We all have a part in this—whether as consumers, professionals, or entrepreneurs.

We have the responsibility of being active allies. It’s not about stepping in to save the day, but about standing alongside those who are affected, supporting them, and ensuring that everyone can thrive in digital spaces without fear. We must be part of the solution, not just bystanders. We can create a digital world that is safer, more respectful, and more inclusive for everyone.

Recommended Reading:

• The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda French Gates - This book explores how empowering women can lead to transformative changes in society.