October is Cybersecurity Awareness month and it is a good time to reflect on the unique impacts faced by women in need when it comes to online safety.
Many of us focus on financial scams and identify theft when it comes to online security, but for iSisters learners, these fears are compounded. As most are from marginalized communities, they are also disproportionately targeted for online harassment and cyberbullying due to their intersecting identities. This harassment can take a variety of forms, like sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic or ableist abuse. At worst, it can escalate to threats of violence or doxxing. These women are also more likely to be impacted by online misinformation and disinformation campaigns targeting their communities. False or harmful information about reproductive health, immigration, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights or other issues can worsen existing inequalities and pose risks to their well-being.
On top of this, our learners at iSisters generally have limited access to resources, support networks and digital literacy training needed to navigate online risks effectively, and face barriers such as language, lack of internet connectivity or limited awareness of available services. All of these factors impact their ability to seek help when facing online safety concerns.
Why a Unique Online Safety Program?
While available online safety programs can offer valuable resources and guidance, they often don’t meet the specific needs and challenges faced by marginalized women, with their heightened risks in online spaces.
Our training is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Participants learn practical strategies to protect themselves and others from various online threats, empowering them to make informed decisions and foster a safer online community, from protecting against misinformation to safeguarding privacy and addressing cyberbullying.
How it Helps
With the development of programming that meets the needs of our marginalized clients, one that is inclusive and accessible to participants, many benefits arise:
- Increased awareness of online risks and threats.
- Development of digital literacy skills, including critical thinking, privacy protection, and information verification.
- Improved self-efficacy in navigating online spaces.
- Adoption of safer online behaviors, practices, such as using strong passwords, adjusting privacy settings, and reporting abusive content or behavior.
- Formation of support networks among trained individuals, fostering peer learning and mutual assistance.
Top Online Safety Tips
Not sure if your online security practices measure up? Get started with these tips:
- Use strong passwords, and don’t share them
- Don’t click on suspicious links and attachments
- Keep your devices up to date with the latest software updates
- Set up privacy settings for social media and other applications
- Deal with online harassment and cyberbullying effectively
With increased community awareness of the online safety issues facing marginalized women, our participants get greater control over their digital lives, and learners can be more actively engaged in online communities with safer access to information. Because learners become aware both of potential threats and of strategies to protect themselves, they will be less exposed to harm. Our vulnerable learners gain enhanced digital literacy that is essential for navigating today’s increasingly complex digital landscape, leading to a safer online environment and a culture of zero tolerance for online harassment and abuse.
