A group of researchers, academics, and those interested in women’s rights and digital media are participating in the conference, which was organized by the Office of Women Support and Empowerment at the University of Benghazi, Libya. The conference lasts for two days and includes a full program of scientific lectures and research discussions. Topics include “Violence Against Women and Ways to Reduce It Through Digital Communication in Islamic Jurisprudence,” and “Social Dominance Through Digital Violence Against Small Business Owners,” along with other papers addressing the psychological and social impacts of digital violence and methods to combat it.
The conference aims to raise community awareness about the dangers of electronic violence against women and to explore legal and educational mechanisms to limit its spread in the digital space. It was noted in statements to ” ” that one of the most prominent indicators is the significant social and psychological impact this phenomenon leaves on victims, whether women or their social circles. In some cases, it has led to divorce, suicide, social isolation, or withdrawal from social media for fear of continued violence. It has also resulted in the exclusion of several women from political and leadership circles due to their exposure to digital violence and defamation.
Ben Issa added that one of the main motivations behind violence against women is the hatred directed at them and gender inequality, alongside negative societal views towards women. The lack of awareness of using social media platforms and the absence of knowledge about digital confrontation and protection mechanisms have all contributed to the exacerbation of the phenomenon in many Arab countries.
Regarding the “alignment of legislation and laws,” academic Jamila Ben Issa clarified that there are gaps in the cybercrime law issued by , which needs reviewing and amending to keep up with the continuous development in methods of digital violence and to align with relevant international laws and agreements. She also called for “updating previous laws, especially in the field of communications, and reconsidering regulations and penalties to ensure their effectiveness in deterring perpetrators of this type of crime.”
She emphasized that “media institutions have not yet reached a level that reflects the seriousness and spread of digital violence,” explaining that “most initiatives in this field come from private media platforms and civil society organizations, which calls for an organized institutional movement to promote a culture of digital safety and to curb this increasing type of violence.”
