United States Vice President Kamala Harris has long been a target of online harassment, but after recently announcing her candidacy for president, this digital abuse has escalated significantly. The relentless cyber harassment campaign against VP Harris serves as a stark reminder of the severe dangers women in politics face online. From death threats to sexist slurs, since entering politics, VP Harris has endured a barrage of digital abuse that has threatened her safety and well-being.
Such violence may look like a personal attack, but it is also part of a broader trend in digital threats to gender equality and democratic engagement. As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) celebrated its 75th anniversary, the NATO summit, which took place this past July in Washington, DC, provided a critical platform to address the growing concern of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Global leaders must recognize the gravity of this issue and work collectively to implement measures that protect women in politics and ensure their full participation in public life.
What Is TFGBV?
Technology-facilitated gender violence (TFGBV) encompasses a range of harmful behaviors, including cyberstalking, digital harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate and deep fake images.
This issue is exacerbated by the prevalence of gendered disinformation, which uses false or misleading narratives to deter women from participating in the public sphere. Recent studies indicate that women are disproportionately targeted by these forms of online abuse, with 52% of online harassment occurring on social media platforms and 68% of young women globally experiencing some form of digital harm.
The alliance’s decision to prioritize TFGBV aligns with broader global efforts to create a safer, more inclusive digital world. Integrating a gender lens into technology and policy-making makes it possible to mitigate these threats and foster a digital ecosystem that supports the full participation of women.
Revised NATO WPS Policy
Central to NATO’s approach to TFGBV is the revised Women, Peace and Security (WPS) policy, formally endorsed at the latest Summit. This updated policy represents a significant step forward in ensuring that all people can participate fully and safely in digital spaces.
The revised policy explicitly addresses new security threats, including TFGBV and the misuse of new technologies. It outlines four strategic objectives: strengthening gender-responsive leadership and accountability; increasing women’s participation at all levels, including decision-making and leadership roles; preventing threats that disproportionately impact women and girls.
More specifically, the new policy on WPS outlines NATO’s plans to strengthen the implementation of the perspectives of women, men, boys and girls across its three core tasks:
The policy acknowledges that digital threats, such as disinformation that targets women and girls, and TFGBV, disproportionately negatively affect women and girls, potentially limiting their participation in public life and decision-making processes. For example, disinformation campaigns are strategically deployed by state and non-state actors to destabilize democracies by targeting women leaders and activists. In response, the policy outlines plans to engage with private sector actors to help better understand, prevent, and counter TFGBV, disinformation, and other technological biases.
Moreover, the policy acknowledges the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the specific threats faced by women on the frontlines. It includes a commitment to provide Ukrainian servicewomen with essential military supplies, such as body armor and uniforms, marking a step in NATO’s support for women’s full and equal participation in defense and security.
Additionally, the revised WPS policy aligns with NATO’s broader Human Security Agenda, which seeks to protect civilians and uphold human rights in conflict zones. Integrating this diversity of perspectives on the experience of conflict into all aspects of its operations will improve its effectiveness and guarantee that women’s voices are heard in peace and security processes.
Shared Objectives and Advocacy
Our Secure Future (OSF) and similar organizations have long advocated for integrating diverse perspectives of women, men, boys and girls into peace and security frameworks because their insights and recommendations improve security outcomes for everyone. With the revised WPS policy, NATO amplifies the voices of advocates working tirelessly to bring attention to this problem. This recognition at such a high-level forum can help inspire more international efforts to combat online violence and create safer digital spaces for all.
On the sidelines of the NATO Summit, OSF and Women in International Security co-hosted a high-level breakfast event titled “Beyond Representation: Women’s Leadership in Peace and Security.” This event examined women’s roles in an evolving security environment and featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Assistant Secretary Jessica Lewis, Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State; Ambassador Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State; and Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security.
The discussion provided a platform for global leaders to share their insights and strategies, and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing security threats like TFGBV as well as the need for increased women’s leadership.
Policy Influence and Collaboration
Collaboration between the alliance and civil society organizations has been crucial in developing the new WPS policy and strategies to address TFGBV. NATO has held ongoing consultations with the Civil Society Advisory Panel on WPS, which comprises 24 civil society experts from across NATO, partner nations, and conflict-affected regions. The 2024 Policy on WPS outlines objectives to continue engagements with civil society, recognizing the unique perspectives and contributions that local women’s and civil society networks make in peace and security efforts.
Notably, the Summit’s focus on TFGBV is part of a broader effort to promote women’s leadership in security. Concrete actions, such as providing equipment for Ukrainian servicewomen, illustrate the growing influence of the WPS agenda in NATO strategy and defense and security efforts more broadly.
Initiatives like the Women LEAD program, an $850 million partnership announced at the Summit to close the gap in women’s leadership globally, are also intended to support women’s political and civic participation.
This partnership seeks to increase women’s leadership globally, acknowledging the massive role that digital platforms play in modern civic engagement. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital world, NATO and its partners can empower more women to engage in political discourse, advocate for their rights, and participate in decision-making processes.
Promoting Women’s Leadership in Security
The Summit’s emphasis on TFGBV sends a powerful message about the importance of gender equality in global security. Diverse perspectives solve the complex security challenges of the 21st century, including TFGBV. Promoting women’s leadership in security enables NATO to enhance its capabilities and set an example for other international organizations and national governments.
All eyes are on the alliance as it moves forward, but one thing is clear: organizations like Our Secure Future will be essential for developing better and more effective strategies to combat TFGBV, among other security issues. Ultimately, this will build a more equitable and secure world for women and all.
