Civil Society Can Play a Crucial Role in Preventing TFGBV

Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey.

Alongside unprecedented technological advancement, the country is witnessing a growing prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). The rapid evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the increasing reliance on digital public services have made this issue both urgent and highly relevant.

Digital transformation is no longer an option for Bangladesh; it has become a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. The integration of technology into governance, service delivery, and economic activities has strengthened public institutions, improved transparency, enhanced efficiency, and accelerated socio-economic progress. Through a range of digital initiatives, Bangladesh has significantly simplified access to services and expanded opportunities for citizens.

ICT has emerged as a powerful tool for strengthening governance. The expansion of e-governance has increased accountability in public service delivery and enabled citizens to access services more quickly and transparently. Digital platforms are also creating new avenues for citizen participation in policymaking, decision-making, and service provision. Technology-driven solutions have transformed service delivery. Through online platforms, mobile applications, and digital help desks, citizens can now access essential public and private services from their homes. This has reduced costs and processing time while improving the overall quality of life.

According to the latest Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) report on ICT usage at individual and district levels (JulySeptember 2025), computer usage stands at 9.1 percent, internet usage at 56.2 percent, mobile phone ownership at 98.9 percent, smartphone usage at 72.4 percent, fixed-line telephone usage at 0.8 percent, radio listenership at 15.1 percent, television ownership at 58.9 percent, and electricity access at 98.9 percent. However, alongside the expansion of digital technologies, their misuse has also increased. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is becoming a growing concern, affecting people from all walks of life, with women and girls disproportionately impacted.

According to a report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in December 2024, two out of every three women globally experience online violence at least once in their lifetime. In Bangladesh, nearly 89 percent of women and girls have encountered some form of online violence. The risk of TFGBV often begins between the ages of 9 and 14, while women aged 18 to 30 are among the most vulnerable groups. Approximately 75 percent of victims do not disclose their experiences to family members and do not seek legal remedies.

The most notable government initiative addressing this challenge is the Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW). According to its 2024 report, more than 60,000 complaints have been received. Among these, 41 percent involved doxxing, 18 percent Facebook account hacking, 17 percent blackmail, 9 percent impersonation, and 8 percent cyberbullying.

The Violence Against Women Survey 2024, jointly conducted by UNFPA and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, presents a concerning picture of womens digital safety. Women aged 2024 face the highest risk, with 16 percent reporting experiences of TFGBV, followed by women aged 2529 at 13.3 percent and adolescent girls aged 1519 at 11.9 percent. The findings indicate that younger women are particularly vulnerable to online abuse. Nevertheless, the problem affects women of all ages, including 1.4 percent of women aged 60 and above.

The survey also found that highly educated women are more likely to experience TFGBV. The prevalence rate is 18.8 percent among women with undergraduate or higher degrees, 16.7 percent among Higher Secondary Certificate graduates, and 12.8 percent among Secondary School Certificate graduates. Women who are married but living separately from their husbands face particularly high risks, with a prevalence rate of 19.8 percent. One of the most significant findings is that TFGBV is not limited to active users of digital devices. Even among women who do not use electronic devices, 3.4 percent reported experiencing technology-facilitated violence. This demonstrates that TFGBV extends beyond online spaces and can threaten the privacy, dignity, and security of women offline as well.

Such violence discourages womens participation in digital spaces and negatively affects economic and social development. A country cannot achieve its development aspirations while half of its population remains unsafe online. Therefore, raising awareness of TFGBV and strengthening the role of government institutions, private-sector actors, technology companies, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, elected representatives, and the media is essential for creating safe digital environments, particularly for rural women.

Technology has become an indispensable component of development. Digitalization of public services, widespread adoption of ICT, and innovation-driven economic transformation have created unprecedented opportunities. Yet digital spaces are increasingly being used for harassment, blackmail, identity theft, image manipulation, privacy violations, and other forms of abuse. The consequences are far-reaching. TFGBV undermines freedom of expression, online participation, mental well-being, educational attainment, employment opportunities, and leadership development among women and girls. Preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence has therefore become a critical social, policy, and development priority.

TFGBV refers to any act of violence, harassment, intimidation, surveillance, exploitation, humiliation, or abuse committed against an individual, particularly women and girls, through ICTs, digital platforms, or technological tools. Such violence may be partially or entirely technology-enabled and can be perpetrated by individuals, groups, or organized networks. Importantly, TFGBV is not confined to online spaces. It may involve social media platforms, messaging applications, mobile phones, GPS tracking devices, recording equipment, and other technological tools. As such, it represents not only a technological challenge but also a manifestation of gender inequality, power imbalances, and digital insecurity.

In this context, the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is implementing the project titled Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Digital Development. The initiative is being implemented under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) Programme, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with technical support from GFA Consulting Group.

The project engages community radio stations and grassroots stakeholders across districts to promote awareness, strengthen local capacities, support survivors, and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships. Its core objectives are to increase public awareness of TFGBV, strengthen local response mechanisms, and enhance coordination among relevant actors. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness, identifying vulnerable populations, providing initial support and referrals, facilitating social dialogue, and bringing local realities to policy discussions. However, their capacity in the areas of nature, impact, prevention, legal remedies, digital evidence preservation, and institutional response mechanisms related to TFGBV requires further strengthening.

District-level programs are designed to improve the conceptual understanding, institutional preparedness, and practical engagement of civil society organizations. They also seek to enhance collaboration among local administrations, law enforcement agencies, elected representatives, media organizations, technology stakeholders, and civil society actors. Through these efforts, CSOs can acquire the knowledge and technical skills needed to become more effective in preventing and responding to TFGBV. Civil society organizations can help establish stronger pathways for victims to access legal, social, and psychosocial support through improved coordination with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and service providers. They can also promote practical knowledge on digital safety measures such as strong password management, two-factor authentication, and verification of misinformation and disinformation.

Several challenges continue to hinder effective responses to TFGBV at the district level, including limited public awareness about the nature of TFGBV and available complaint mechanisms. Absence of clear legal definitions, policy guidelines, and implementation protocols. Limited institutional clarity regarding responsibilities and accountability. Capacity gaps among law enforcement agencies in handling gender-sensitive cybercrime cases. Delays and complexities in legal procedures. Social stigma, victim-blaming, and family pressure discourage reporting. Weak digital evidence preservation practices. Lack of structured digital safety education in educational institutions. Insufficient mental health and psychosocial support services. Additional barriers are faced by marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and Dalit communities. Inadequate preventive measures within civil society and development organizations themselves. 

Bangladesh has several laws that may be applied in cases of TFGBV, including the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act (2000), the Pornography Control Act (2012), and the Cyber Security Act (2026). While these laws provide a foundation, significant gaps remain in implementation, victim support, and access to justice.

Encouragingly, political attention to the issue is growing. In its 2026 election manifesto, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) committed to combating online gender-based violence through stronger legal protection, increased awareness, and enhanced enforcement. However, policy commitments must be translated into concrete action, sustainable investments, institutional coordination, and accountability mechanisms.

Based on field observations and stakeholder consultations, several actions are essential to strengthen advocacy to make district-level Women and Children Violence Prevention Committees, Cyber Crime Prevention Committees, and ICT Committees more responsive to TFGBV. Include TFGBV as a dedicated issue in public hearings organized by District Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers. Integrate TFGBV prevention and response measures into local government institutions, including Union Parishads. Mainstream TFGBV into the strategic plans and regular activities of civil society organizations. Provide structured training for government officials, law enforcement personnel, educators, and legal practitioners. 

Introduce virtual hearing facilities at the district level to improve access to cyber tribunals. Establish specialized support desks within District Legal Aid Offices. Develop stronger referral systems between civil society organizations and legal aid services. Organize regular digital safety sessions in schools, colleges, universities, and madrasas. Promote positive parenting and digital literacy among parents and caregivers. Develop accessible digital safety materials in local languages. Publish annual district-level TFGBV reports highlighting trends, challenges, and progress. Conduct periodic surveys to generate evidence and inform policy interventions. Create monitoring and evaluation mechanisms involving civil society and local administrations. Strengthen collaboration with internet service providers, cable operators, and mobile financial service providers. Establish district and divisional Digital Rights and Safety Networks for knowledge sharing and coordinated action. 

Families also have a critical role to play. They must create supportive environments where children and family members feel safe reporting online harassment, blackmail, or abuse without fear, shame, or blame. Open discussions on the safe use of social media, mobile phones, and digital platforms are essential. Young people should be educated about digital risks, responsible technology use, and online safety practices.

Technology retailers can contribute by providing basic digital safety guidance to customers. Individuals should avoid sharing personal information, photographs, and location data indiscriminately online and exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks or charging stations. Victims of cyber harassment or blackmail should promptly seek assistance from Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW) or other available support services rather than remaining silent.

Safe digital development is not merely a technological challenge; it is a long-term social, institutional, and policy commitment. Building a blame-free social environment and establishing coordinated response mechanisms at the grassroots level can significantly strengthen prevention, protection, survivor support, and access to justice.

If effectively implemented, these measures can help Bangladesh create a safer, more inclusive, and more equitable digital ecosystem where women and girls can participate freely, confidently, and without fear of violence.

Written by: Hiren Pandit

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