Amman: Minister of Social Development and Head of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment, Wafaa Bani Mustafa, has opened a series of dialogue sessions aimed at addressing the issue of digital violence against women and girls. These sessions are part of a larger effort to develop strategies and mechanisms for tackling the increasing forms of violence that stem from technology and digital media.
According to Jordan News Agency, Bani Mustafa emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and the exchange of expertise to effectively combat this growing problem. The sessions coincide with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which this year carries the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” The campaign is supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal, highlighting the urgent need for a legislative and institutional framework that can safeguard women’s access to digital spaces without compromising their privacy or rights.
The minister highlighted the risks posed by the digital world, which, despite its benefits in facilitating access to knowledge and participation, has become a platform for exploitation and abuse. She called for a unified response to protect future generations from such crimes, pointing to international data that shows a significant percentage of women worldwide have experienced digital violence. United Nations reports reveal that 38% of women have faced direct digital abuse, with defamation, online harassment, and identity theft being common issues.
Bani Mustafa also drew attention to the alarming rise of deepfakes, which disproportionately target women and are used as tools for blackmail and psychological abuse. Arab statistics further indicate that 80% of digital violence victims in the region are women, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Jordan has been proactive in addressing these challenges through a national policy that includes legal and psychological support for victims. This policy is supported by a partnership between the Ministry of Social Development, the Cybercrime Unit, and civil society organizations. The country has also taken legislative measures, such as the enactment of Cybercrime Law No. 27 in 2015, to define penalties for violations.
The impact of digital violence extends beyond personal harm, affecting women’s participation in public life. A study by the Jordanian National Commission for Women’s Affairs found that 63% of influential women in Jordan experienced cyber violence, with significant effects on their mental health and social relationships.