The Internet is not an equal and safe space for everyone.  In recent years there has been an increase in concerns, experienced by women on social networking platforms globally, also in Kosovo.

Activists and organizations for women’s rights have constantly warned about the spread of gender-based violence on the Internet.  However, currently digital violence against women, is not included in the legal framework of Kosovo.

There is a global debate over, whether the use of hate speech against women on social media, should be punishable by law.  Some argue that it is a violation of free speech and that it is difficult to define what constitutes hate speech. Others feel that hate speech is a severe form of violence, and should be treated as such, under the law.

A survey conducted by Amnesty International in eight countries around the world, in 2017 found that 23% of women had experienced some form of abuse or harassment on social networking platforms.

The use of hate speech against women, through comments on social networks is one of the forms of manifestation of this violence. Hate speech directed at women in comments can take many forms, including sexist, misogynistic slurs, objectification and threats of physical and sexual violence.

Gender-based violence in social networks is interpreted as an extension of the inequalities, and gender oppression that exist in everyday life. The causes of online violence against women, are closely related to offline patriarchy.

One of the reasons, that hate speech against women on social networks is so widespread, is also because of the anonymity that the Internet offers. People feel emboldened to say things, they might not say in person, when they have the option of having a fake identity.

The consequences of hate speech against women, through comments on social networks, can be severe.  Women, who are targeted by hate speech, generally women involved in public life, may feel insecure and fear for their physical and emotional well-being. Misogynistic and threatening language can also contribute to the cultivation of a culture of fear, which can discourage women from participating fully in public discussions.  More clearly, online violence affects women’s freedom of expression.

According to a research report on online violence, against women in politics, carried out by D4D, during the campaign period, women politicians faced more online violence.  “D4D has fully analyzed 373 posts and 5,567 comments. The results show that the overwhelming majority, or nearly 70 percent of them, were negative comments or misogynistic language content towards women candidates, while only a little more than 30 percent, were positive comments,” the report states.

In 2021, the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), has published a specific recommendation that emphasizes the need for states, to take measures to prevent and address digital violence, against women:

• Enact or strengthen laws that specifically address digital violence against women.
• To offer women victims of digital violence access to effective services and tools.
• Collect data and conduct research on the prevalence and nature of digital violence against women
• Raise knowledge and awareness about digital violence against women and girls.

Overall, hate speech directed at women through social media comments is a serious problem, that requires a multifaceted approach to address. Awareness must be raised, increasing accountability and empowering women.  Only this way, it is possible to create a safer and more inclusive online environment for everyone.

Serious efforts must be made to make the Internet a safe space for women and girls, both from a broader social norms, perspective and legal regulations.

This editorial was written within the Tuesday Salon on the topic: Use of hate speech through comments on social media against women – what are the factors of the use of this language, and should it be punished by law?  with the financial support of the European Union, in partnership with the Advocacy Training and Resource Center (ATRC), Internews Kosova and the Democracy for Development Institute (D4D).