Communications technology and militarism are deeply intertwined, and women are deeply connected to warfare, for example through the use of systematic rape as a weapon of war. Women are also disproportionately affected by conflict. The ability to control channels of mass communication is crucial in the propagation of conflict, and women often suffer as a result. For example, images of women can be mobilised to construct discourses of nationality and collective identity during times of conflict. Mainstream media or government agencies may appropriate images of women to justify war.
On the other hand, in areas of conflict where access to mainstream media is heavily controlled, women have used new ICT ingeniously to publicise their perspectives and experiences – in providing timely information and first hand accounts to those outside the war zone, documenting abuses of women, countering propaganda and showing the needs of people on the ground, in human rights and peace activism, and more.
However, there are a number of limitations for activists using ICT. Governments have begun to respond to the use of new ICT with increased surveillance and regulation. The normalisation of conflict and proliferation of causes in easily accessible internet content as well as the blurring of genres in films and videos may lead to disengagement and scepticism by the users activists wish to reach. They must therefore follow up efforts grounded in technology with activities, resources and information that allow viewers and users to take action beyond cyberspace.
For more information, read our issue paper on violence against women and ICT, or go to More Resources.
