Tech's Gender Blindspots: How to Create a Safer Digital Future

Our Secure Future's Project Delphi has been applying the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) framework to the digital space, shedding light on the gender blindspots within the technology landscape and the urgent need for a more inclusive and secure digital future.

It is important to recognize the challenges women face in the digital arena and seize the opportunities to create a safer and more equitable environment for all. Building on OSF’s recent message guide on Women, Peace and Security and Technology, this blog post will explore four key areas where gender blindspots exist and discuss potential solutions to bridge the gap.

The Underrepresentation of Women in Tech

The tech industry's lack of diversity is a glaring issue that perpetuates gender biases in technology and AI systems. In the U.S., the tech workforce is predominantly male (73.3%) and white (62.5%), resulting in products and services designed primarily by and for a homogeneous group. This underrepresentation leads to the erasure of diverse perspectives and the creation of inherently biased systems.

To address this gap, diversity and inclusion in the tech sector should be prioritized. Companies must actively work towards hiring and retaining women and other minorities in technical roles, while also engaging gender experts in the design and development of new technologies and policies. The resulting products and services would better serve the needs of all users.

How Online Gender-Based Violence Becomes A Barrier to Participation

Women are the primary targets of online gender-based violence (GBV). They face a range of threats such as intimate image abuse, trolling, doxing, and offline abuse. These malicious acts aim to discourage women's participation in the digital space, effectively silencing their voices and limiting their opportunities. Moreover, the rise in online GBV cases serves as an early warning sign of broader security challenges. 

Technology policies must address the full spectrum of threats women face online and provide adequate support and resources for victims. Creating a safer online environment for women may inspire their full participation while diversifying perspectives and contributions.

The Gendered Impact of Disinformation

Disinformation campaigns often employ gendered and sexualized narratives to target women, particularly those in the public sphere, such as politicians. These campaigns lead to harassment, violence, and the silencing of diverse opinions, ultimately threatening democracy and chilling women's civic participation.

One example is deepfakes, a form of AI deception that disproportionately targets women. Integrating a gender lens into tech company efforts is needed to combat disinformation. Learning about the gendered aspects of disinformation and its varied consequences can develop more targeted and effective strategies to counter these malicious campaigns. 

Collaboration between policymakers, tech companies, and civil society organizations is crucial in addressing this complex issue and protecting women's rights to participate in the digital public square.

The Economic Imperative of Gender Equality in Tech

Women's economic power is rising, as women now control 32% of the world's wealth, amounting to around $72 trillion. Global economic activity is now increasingly driven digitally which makes the full inclusion of women not only a matter of fairness but also a business imperative.

Online harassment and lack of access to technology often hinder women's participation, directly impacting businesses' bottom lines. Companies must prioritize the protection of women's participation in the digital economy by implementing policies and tools to combat online harassment. 

Furthermore, investing in digital literacy programs for women as well as designing products and services that cater to the needs of a diverse user base are equally important. 

The Path Towards A More Secure Digital Future

The first step in a healthier digital landscape for everyone is to recognize and address the gender blindspots within it. Our Secure Future's Project Delphi is leading this effort, applying the WPS framework to the internet and advocating for integrating a gender lens in technology policy and development. However, it is not enough. 

This initiative requires the collaboration of all stakeholders in the tech industry, from government bodies to private companies. Proper collaboration will ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the digital age.