Why Gender Matters in International Cyber Security

The report starts by explaining the terminology which is useful for anybody who is new to the field of gender, peace and security. It then shows how gender shapes the online experiences, influencing access to and power within digital spaces. This gendered impact results in specific vulnerabilities for women and gender minorities, extending pre-existing historical and structural inequalities. 

According to the report, human rights and international security is oftentimes discussed separately which further minimises the inclusion of gender perspectives in the field of cyber security. The report aims to fill this gap by analysing the gendered impact of internet shutdowns, data breaches and disinformation campaigns, as well as gender diversity and women’s participation in cyber policy and diplomacy. 

The authors find that those diverging from traditional gender norms but also women are disproportionately targeted by online gender-based violence. This can take the form of trolling, insults and threats. They also point out that access to information and communications technology (ICT) is unequal, with only 15-20% of ICT-related jobs being held by women, and even lower participation in cyber security. In turn, gender inequality in in these professions exacerbates gender-based violence, as technology reflects the biases and values of its developers, according to the authors. 

Finally, the authors provide a list of recommendations. They name measures that states can already take to address the issue in their institutions and policies, suggest technical and operational improvements for all actors involved and advocate for specific actions to increase women’s participation in cyber security. These measures are also interesting for stakeholders in civilian CSDP given the Member States’ commitment in the Compact 2023 to strengthen the response of host countries and missions to cyber and hybrid threats and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

Recommendations include: 

• Integration of women’s human rights in cyber security strategies
• Integration of cyber security in WPS National Action Plans
• Awareness of gendered impact by all actors involved in cyber incident responses 

Reference: Brown, D., Pytlak, A, (2020). Why Gender Matters in International Cyber Security. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the Association for Progressive Communications.