Rabat – Ex-partners often leverage sexual content, including images and videos, to coerce financial settlements or gain custody rights from women in Morocco, according to a report from Rutgers International, a non-profit organization.
Spanning seven countries, the study investigates the effect of the pervasive influence of patriarchy and entrenched gender roles in the digital realm. The report data indicates that the digital age has exacerbated the plight of women who face technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
The rapid evolution of technology, while democratizing access to information and services, has also become a conduit for perpetuating gender-based violence, the study argues.
The report highlights that TFGBV, encompassing online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and cyberstalking, is increasingly weaponized against women in Morocco.
An alarming 82% of respondents in the study identify patriarchal norms and societal expectations around gender as pivotal factors amplifying these forms of violence.
Moroccan society, like many others, exhibits patterns of exclusion where women are discouraged or actively prevented from participating in online spaces, political engagement, or public discourse.
The anonymity and speed of digital platforms provide perpetrators with unprecedented means to disseminate harmful content and intimidate victims, often with impunity.
Artificial intelligence further complicates matters by facilitating the creation of deepfakes and perpetuating harmful stereotypes through algorithmic biases.
In Morocco, as in other nations studied, there remains a critical gap in understanding and addressing TFGBV.
Many survivors hesitate to report incidents due to societal stigma, limited legal protections, and a pervasive mistrust in law enforcement’s ability to intervene effectively.
Instances, where survivors do seek recourse, are often met with inadequate responses from authorities ill-equipped to navigate the nuances of digital violence.
The implications are profound, extending beyond immediate psychological harm to influencing broader social dynamics and civic participation.
Women and girls who experience TFGBV often endure lasting trauma, affecting their mental health and overall well-being.
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