Cyberbullying against women on the rise

As fast as Bangladesh's social, political and economic progress has been, social awareness and changes in mentality have not kept pace with it. No matter how many laws and policies the country formulates to protect women's rights, safety and dignity, in reality, women are still victims of discrimination, harassment and psychological oppression at various levels. The most frightening thing is that a new type of violence and oppression has emerged in the digital age, which is tagging and cyberbullying.

These two words are no longer unfamiliar. The incidents of personal attacks, derogatory comments, spreading false information, defamation or sharing sexually suggestive content against women on social media are increasing day by day. Especially, anyone who speaks against women's rights, women's safety, sexual harassment or discrimination in a patriarchal society is quickly attacked with tags like 'shahbaghi', 'feminist' etc. As a result, the main issue-the demand for women's rights and safety-takes a back seat; character assassination of the person comes to the fore.

The number of internet users in Bangladesh is currently several crores. Among them, various platforms including Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, TikTok are being used by everyone from young people to policymakers. This vast digital ocean of people has opened up new horizons for information flow and mass movements on the one hand, and on the other hand, it has created 'digital mobs'-where a section of online users carry out organized or random attacks targeting individuals.

Along with tagging, cyberbullying is now a terrifying reality. Women are regularly subjected to nasty messages, threats, or blackmail in Facebook inboxes, comment sections, Twitter replies, and even emails.

Bangladesh has several laws, including the Digital Security Act, that can be used to take action against online harassment or defamation. However, there are questions about how effective these laws have been in protecting women in practice.

Firstly, the complex and lengthy provisions of the law discourage the victim. Secondly, even if they file a complaint with the cybercrime unit, the hassle of collecting evidence, identifying the perpetrators and pursuing the case mentally exhausts the victim. Thirdly, social shame and fear of retaliation force women to remain silent. In addition, even if laws are enacted, this problem cannot be solved through law alone if social awareness is not created.

To stop tagging and cyberbullying, the media, educational institutions, and social organizations must work together. Courses on digital ethics and cybersecurity can be introduced at the school-college and university levels. The media must protect the privacy of the victim and publish awareness-raising reports.

However, these are only preventive measures-not solutions to the root problem. Changing social mindsets is the key. Legal and technological measures are as necessary as changing mindsets to stop tagging and cyberbullying. Our society still tends to divide women into 'respectable' and 'disrespectable'. A woman who speaks out against injustice is relentlessly 'tagged' and insulted. Whereas, if a man does the same thing, he is called 'brave'.

Unless this double standard is changed, the fight for women's rights will always be unequal. Just as boys are not taught gender equality equally within the family, there is no effective moral education in schools and colleges. Therefore, public discourse, media campaigns, and family education are of immense importance to change social attitudes.

Also, ensure speedy tribunals in cyberbullying cases, safety and privacy of the victim. Strengthen content moderation at the local level on platforms like Facebook, X or YouTube. Government, NGOs and social organizations to jointly run awareness programs on digital ethics.

Tagging and cyberbullying are now not just personal problems, but have become a major obstacle to social justice and human rights. Its impact on protecting women's rights is far-reaching. Because the main goal of this attack is to silence women's voices, to intimidate them. However, history says that no injustice or discrimination lasts forever if people are aware and organized. Therefore, what we need now is solidarity, moral courage and awareness. It is not the fear of getting 'tagged' on the issue of women's rights or security, but the courage to break the 'tag' and bring the truth to the fore. Stopping cyberbullying and tagging will not only ensure women's safety; it will also pave the way for building a just, respectful and humane society. If we fail to protect and respect women in the digital age, no matter how advanced technology becomes, our social development will remain incomplete.