February 2021 Newsletter: Understanding the Cyber Harassment Landscape during the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 25, 2021April 2021: DRF Commemorates #GirlsInICT Day
May 21, 2021Online Campaigns and Initiatives :
National Privacy Conference:
On the 9th and 10th of March 2021, DRF held its first ever virtual National Privacy Conference. Our annual event is one of the highlights of our year, as we come together with industry experts and other activists to talk about digital rights and privacy rights. This year, we focused on the repercussions of the COVID 19 pandemic on mental health, and on privacy, especially around sensitive information like an individual’s health information.
All of our talks were streamed live on our Facebook page. They’re currently saved there and you can catch them here.
Policy Initiatives:
DRF Launches Its 2020 Annual Report:
With the collaboration of our entire team, we were able to digitally launch our annual report for 2020. This report goes over the work we did over the past year, which came with its challenges. Nonetheless, our team persevered and we were able to achieve what we all set out to do at the start of 2020.
The report can be accessed here.
Media Coverage:
Nighat Dad joins panel discussion with the UK’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations:
In a panel discussion with the United Kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Nighat Dad discusses solutions to countering online violence against women in public life, and to make digital spaces more inclusive and safe.
Nighat Dad joins panel discussion with International Center for Journalists:
Nighat Dad joined a group of prominent panelists for the 65th anniversary of the inception of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, discussing the role of women in public life and how they can be granted equal participation in decision making mechanisms.
Nighat Dad joins panel discussion with UNDP Business and Human Rights Asia:
Nighat Dad joined a group of esteemed panelists for the 2nd United Nations South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights, discussing Gender Bias in New Technologies and how digital spaces can be more inclusive for women and minorities.
Nighat Dad joins panel discussion on “The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act”
Nighat Dad joined a panel discussion on The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, to understand the context, legality and implication of the current legal frameworks in place.
Nighat Dad joins panel discussion on “AI and Power”
In a panel session conducted by the Mozilla Festival, Nighat Dad discussed how the rise of artificial intelligence can pose new challenges for the digital age, and what those potential threats may translate for women in online spaces.
Events and Sessions:
Women In Cyber Security Beyond Border 2021 |The Era of Data Protection in South Asia, March 24
DRF was part of the ‘Women In Cyber Security Beyond Border 2021’, panel ‘The Era of Data Protection in South Asia’ to talk about the importance of privacy and data protection laws in the country.
Bridging the Gender and Digital Divide in Post COVID-19 Pakistan: Empowering Women Through ICT on March 26
The Centre for Public Policy and Governance at Forman Christian College marked International Women’s Day with the campaign #ChoosetoChallenge calling for action on creating an equitable world that is inclusive and that fights gender bias. This panel discussion looked at some of the challenges the country faces in light of the gender divide in access to and use of information and communications technology. Shmyla Khan from DRF took part in the panel along with Burhan Rasool (head of the Software Engineering Wing at PITB, and Salma Butt (Member Punjab Provincial Assembly).
Virtual Workshop with Women Home-based Workers in Sukkur:
DRF conducted a day-long virtual workshop on digital literacy and online safety with 25 women from Sukkur on the 30th of March. The participants discussed issues of online harassment and insecurity in their use of mobile phones and were given a hands-on digital safety workshop by the trainers at DRF.
COVID-19 Updates:
Cyber Harassment Helpline:
Cyber harassment helpline is now available 5 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm through its toll free number and social media platforms. You can contact the helpline on 080039393 or email us at helpdesk@digitalrightsfoundation.pk between 9 am to 5 pm (monday – friday).
Ab Aur Nahin:
In times of COVID19 domestic abuse is at an all time high where victims do not have anywhere to go. Ab Aur Nahin is a confidential legal and counselor support service specifically designed for victims of harassment and abuse. www.abaurnahin.pk
IWF Portal:
DRF in collaboration with Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Global Fund to End Violence Against Children launched a portal to combat children’s online safety in Pakistan. The new portal allows internet users in Pakistan to anonymously report child sexual abuse material in three different languages- English, Urdu and Pashto. www.report.iwf.org.uk/pk
