Patuakhali Correspondent

An Orientation titled “The Role of Local Content Creators and YouTubers in Preventing and Mitigating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Positive Digital Movements” was held  at  Patuakhali Press Club.on Sunday. 

 The event was organized by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication. Local YouTubers, content creators, and online entrepreneurs from the Patuakhali region actively participated in the session.

The meeting was chaired by Mahfuza Islam and moderated by Senior Journalist, Firoz Ahmed, who presented the local context of TFGBV in Patuakhali, highlighting its forms and impacts.

 Mohammad Tarek Howlader, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ICT & Education), was present as the Chief Guest. 

BNNRC organized the Orientation under the project titled “Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Promoting Digital Development.” The project is implemented as part of the “Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF)” programme, funded by Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with technical assistance from GFA Consulting Group.

The orientation included in-depth discussions on strategies for producing safe, gender-sensitive, and inclusive content, as well as guidance on ethical digital behavior and adherence to the community standards of platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. A total of 3 panel speakers and 18 designated speakers participated in the discussion. The session concluded with an open discussion in which participants expressed their commitment to creating awareness content on their respective platforms to prevent and address TFGBV.

The event aimed to motivate local content creators to raise public awareness by producing informative, timely content on TFGBV. Speakers highlighted that, according to a 2024 report by the United Nations Population Fund, 89% of women and girls in Bangladesh have experienced some form of technology-facilitated violence. Additionally, data from Police Cyber Support for Women indicates that as of September 2024, approximately 60,808 women sought help for cybercrimes, with 41% being victims of doxxing. These alarming statistics underline the critical role of content creators in combating such issues.

Speakers also discussed available support services, including Police Cyber Support for Women (Helpline: 01320000888; Email: cybersupport.women@police.gov.bd), as well as other government initiatives to address cyber violence.

In his speech, the Chief Guest, Mr. Mohammad Tarek Howlader, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ICT & Education), stressed the need for collective action to tackle TFGBV. He highlighted the evolving nature and complexity of gender-based digital violence and emphasized the importance of collaboration between communities and administration. He also underscored the necessity of awareness initiatives in schools, colleges, universities, and families. He called upon YouTubers and content creators to play an active role in building a safer and more inclusive digital environment. He emphasized the importance of responsible content creation. He urged creators to avoid harmful or negative content and instead focus on producing positive, awareness-oriented materials for public benefit. He also noted that many people fall victim to cyber risks due to a lack of awareness, such as clicking on malicious links on social media platforms like Facebook. 

At the end of the session, all participating content creators received certificates and pledged to actively contribute to digital development and raise awareness against TFGBV through their content, fostering a safer digital space for women.