An innovative research project to develop a Women’s Cyber Self-Defense Toolkit is being undertaken by a UNBC researcher.
To assist, Dr. Luna KC has received a $50,000 Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) Grant to help get initiative off the ground.
“However, this approach risks depriving increasing numbers of women and girls of their digital rights,” said the Assistant Professor in UNBC’s Department of Global and International Studies.
“Understanding cyberspace through a gendered and intersectional lens is crucial. The gendered nature of the online realm means the underlying harms are also gendered, disproportionately affecting racialized women and girls.”
“My project aims to develop a toolkit to empower women and girls to combat online violence by enhancing their ability to navigate online platforms – uplifting their ability to engage on social media securely and confidently, rather than detaching from it,” she explains.
Her research project is focused on creating real-world, practical outcomes using a feminist approach. Its core study group consists of women veterans from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and women cyber experts.
Dr. K C will bring together a diverse group of participants to collaborate on the project during a hybrid workshop hosted at UNBC’s Prince George campus on Nov. 21st.
It will include students, faculty, women cyber experts and representatives from women’s organizations.
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