Key Informant Interviews
Analysis by Themes
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
continues to undermine the autonomy, safety, and
well-being of women and marginalized groups in
Jordan. This pervasive issue manifests in profound
psychological, social, and political consequences for
survivors, limiting their ability to participate in both
public and digital spheres. Survivors frequently
report psychological distress, such as anxiety,
mistrust, and isolation, which is compounded by
the persistent nature of online abuse and the public
exposure of personal information. These challenges
highlight the critical need for accessible mental
health resources and survivor-centered interventions
to mitigate the long-term impacts of TFGBV.
Socially, survivors face heightened family
surveillance, judgment, and blame from their
communities, which restricts their autonomy and
reinforces harmful gender norms. The stigma
surrounding online harassment amplifies the
difficulties survivors face in seeking support,
creating a cycle of silence and invisibility. Politically,
women in public roles are disproportionately
targeted with harassment that discredits their
legitimacy and deters their participation in public
discourse. These attacks, often rooted in gendered
stereotypes, not only discourage political
engagement but also undermine broader efforts
toward gender equity in leadership and decisionmaking.
In response to TFGBV incidents and their
consequences, survivors have adopted digital
security practices, such as using encrypted
messaging apps and enabling two-factor
authentication, to protect themselves. However,
these measures often come at the cost of their full
participation in digital spaces, as many survivors
also limit their online presence or use pseudonyms
to avoid further harm. This highlights the need for
systemic solutions that balance safety and digital
autonomy. While authorities and digital platforms
have taken steps to address these issues such as
implementing reporting mechanisms and content
moderation policies, survivors still encounter
dismissive attitudes and inaction in some cases. For
example, reporting processes on social media
platforms are reported to be sometimes slow and
inadequate. This lack of accountability perpetuates
survivor fatigue and deters further reporting of
incidents.
Despite these obstacles posed by TFGBV incidents,
technology also holds transformative potential as a
tool for empowerment and solidarity. Survivors have
used digital platforms to raise awareness, share their
stories, and build supportive communities.
However, to fully realize this potential, technology
companies must adopt survivor-centric policies,
enhance moderation practices, and create tools that
prioritize user safety. While some digital platforms
such as META have made efforts to improve
responses such as increasing content moderation
and implementing reporting mechanisms, the
moderation is still wanting. For example, response
times to the reports significantly vary. To address
this issue, institutional and organizational reforms
are essential, including the establishment of robust
legal frameworks, trauma-informed training for law
enforcement, and stronger accountability measures
for platforms regarding harmful content
To address TFGBV effectively, a multi-stakeholder
approach is needed. This includes strengthening
legal protections, raising public awareness, and
empowering survivors through education and access
to support services. By addressing the intersection
of psychological trauma, social stigma, and
institutional inadequacies, Jordan can create a safer,
more inclusive digital environment. These efforts
are critical not only to combatting TFGBV but also
to ensuring that women and marginalized groups
can fully participate in public life, free from fear and
discrimination. Through collaborative action, we
can transform the digital space into one of
opportunity and empowerment for all.
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