Take Back the Tech
Take Back The Tech is a global online campaign that calls users of information & communications technology (ICTs), especially women and grrls, to reclaim control over technology, and in the process, to demand and realise our right to define, access, use and shape ICTs.
It is becoming increasingly evident that internet spaces also become sites where violence against women occur. For example, domestic violence perpetrators are using ICTs like keystroke loggers and GPS (global positioning system) technology to track and control their partners, and instances of cyberstalking and online harassment are no longer uncommon.
The campaign calls for a conscious thinking, utilisation and occupation of ICTs and digital spaces to realise its potential to transform existing power relations, towards a vision and reality of equality.
The first round of Take Back the Tech took place in 2006 during the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Violence November 25th to December 10th. Actions included changing default homepages in cybercafes, making postcards, creating short videos, feminist-ing wikipedia and even writing haikus. There were also more than 30 bloggers -- female and male -- who committed to Ka-BLOG!, and blogged about violence against women and ICTs for the entire 16 days of activism.
Get involved with the Campaign in 2007 at Take Back the Tech! Calls are open for developers and campaign ideas now!
Violence Against Women and ICTs
APC WNSP has seen an increased recognition of the connection between violence against women and ICTs. From the policy arena, to labour issues, to technology development, to access and use, to creation of content and the subsequent representation of gender relations etc., the dominant perspective and participation is still male. In short, there is a persistent presence of unequal gendered power relations, which also lies at the root of violence against women.
APC WNSP's research examines VAW and ICTs, providing examples and highlighting areas to gain skills for greater privacy and security. Organisations have utilised the capabilities of ICTs to network across great distances and mobilise immediate action on urgent situations of VAW. By examining how ICTs have been employed, women's movements can shape stronger connections with greater understanding of their potential and limitations.
More information on how VAW & ICTs are interconnected, including example of case studies, can be read through APC WNSP's research papers:
- Cultivating Violence Through Technology?
Exploring the Connections between Internet Communication Technologies (ICT) and Violence Against Women (VAW)
- Digital Dangers: Information & Communication Technologies and Trafficking in Women
- Women's human rights: violence against women, pornography and ICTs
