Digital Dignity: Building a safer online space for Diversity communities to counter sexual and gender-based violence

According to a report by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Asia, the DIVERSITY community in Bangladesh faces significant challenges related to digital-based sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The report highlights that attempts at visibility by community-based organizations have subjected activists to anonymous threats, intimidations, verbal abuse, online attacks, and sometimes even physical assaults. In 2016, two prominent DIVERSITY activists in Bangladesh were murdered by a terrorist group, which was a brutal reflection of the violence faced by the DIVERSITY community in Bangladesh. A study by the International Republican Institute (IRI) found that sexual and gender minorities in Bangladesh face significant challenges in their daily lives, including discrimination, violence, and harassment, both online and offline. The study documented the challenges faced by the DIVERSITY community in Bangladesh, including the lack of legal protection, social stigma, and discrimination, and the prevalence of hate speech and online harassment. Furthermore, according to a report by the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in digital-based SGBV against women, children, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh. The report highlights that the pandemic has created an environment where victims are more vulnerable to digital-based SGBV due to increased internet usage, social isolation, and economic insecurity. In recent years, there have been several incidents of digital-based SGBV against the DIVERSITY community in Bangladesh It is essential to continue to raise awareness about these issues and develop strategies to prevent and respond to digital-based SGBV against the DIVERSITY community in Bangladesh. Against this backdrop, the overall objective of this project is to address the issue of Digital Based Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Bangladesh, particularly within the diverse community. The project aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, forms, and impact of digitally based SGBV and develop strategies to prevent and respond to such violence. The project also aims to raise awareness about digitally based SGBV, promote safe online behavior and digital literacy, challenge harmful stereotypes, and create safe online spaces and helplines for the DIVERSITY community. The ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive and safe online environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity

Goal: The implementation of these project activities is expected to contribute to the reduction of Digital Based SGBV against the DIVERSITY community and build the capacity of DIVERSITY individuals to respond to these incidents

Direct Beneficiaries: NGOs, Think Tanks, Development Partners and Security Actors

Geographical Locations: Dhaka

Project Duration: 5 February 2024 to 15 March 2025

Project Budget: 6080400

Donner: Creating Resources for Empowerment and Action Inc. (CREA)