International Women’s Day Press Statement
ZPP joins the rest of the World in celebrating International Women’s Day 2023 which is running
under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. This year’s
observance of International Women's Day 2023 seeks to highlight the need for inclusive and
transformative technology and digital education. Bringing women and other marginalized groups
into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovation that
meets women’s needs and promote gender equality. In line with the international theme this year,
ZPP has adopted the theme “Promoting Cyber Tolerance and online Etiquette for Gender Equality”
as a response to the many breaches of peace and exclusion of women in technology that are
increasing as a result of socio-economic and political factors.
ZPP uses the human rights approach to advance sustainable peace in the country and is alarmed
by the continued use of technology, particularly social media to attack and bully women human
rights activists. ZPP notes with concern the increase in cyberbullying1 of women activists through
systematic threats and intimidation that have been launched against them in on online platforms.
ZPP's gendered approach to research, programming, and advocacy has shown that the effects of
cyberbullying differ for men and women. Only a small percentage of women engage in political
processes, and the online harassment of these women discourages other women from taking part
in politics which will have a negative impact on inclusive programming and gender equality across
the board.
1
Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It includes sending, posting, or sharing
negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.