Integrating gender in cybercrime capacity-building

Cybercrime has multiple gendered impacts. Ransomware attacks on healthcare systems can expose data and information that render women, LGBTIQ people and other minoritized groups vulnerable because of societal discrimination. Disruptions to online systems for public services can impede access to vital services – including sexual and reproductive health services – for people who already face barriers to access. The hacking of social media accounts and unlawful accessing of personal information is a risk for everyone, but the consequences of unauthorized sharing of intimate content – including images that have been altered or artificially generated – are often most serious for women and marginalized groups.

Cybercrime defences must therefore ensure appropriate and proportionate protection for all vulnerable groups.

This toolkit has been designed for practitioners working to integrate gender considerations in anti-cybercrime capacity-building activities. Using a set of example projects, it offers clear steps to promote the gender-sensitive design and implementation of a wide range of capacity-building activities.

Presented as both an interactive digital resource and a PDF download, the toolkit is intended to enable everyone responsible for developing and strengthening the skills, abilities and resources of organizations and communities to survive and thrive in cyberspace – and those who support them in this work – to do so with full regard for gender equity and sensitivity.