Antigua and Barbuda took a significant stride in addressing digital gender-based violence with a high-level panel discussion organized by the Directorate of Gender Affairs and UN Women. The event, a cornerstone of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, convened experts to formulate strategies against online abuse targeting women and girls.
Held at Siboney Beach Hotel, the forum featured opening remarks from Ms. Sara Stuart, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, who emphasized the urgency of collective action. Mrs. Chaneil Imhoff moderated the session, steering conversations toward practical solutions.
The multidisciplinary panel included legal, cybersecurity, and advocacy experts: Ms. Alexandrina Wong (President, Woman Against Rape), Ms. Octavia Nicholas (Author and Advocate), Officer Renika Isaac Chandler (Criminal Investigation Department), Mrs. Gordina Hector-Murrell (Director, Cyber Security Unit), Mrs. Arnelle Michael Brann (Attorney at Law), and Mr. Lyle Jackson (HRIS Officer, Antigua Public Utilities Authority).
Key discussions highlighted alarming trends in cyberbullying and online grooming of minors. Panelists stressed the critical need for comprehensive digital literacy programs educating youth on safe online practices, including responsible social media use, password security, and ethical digital behavior. A consensus emerged on the importance of reporting mechanisms and avoiding dissemination of inappropriate content.
Notably, participants advocated for increased male involvement in gender-based violence dialogues to foster broader societal awareness and allyship. The event concluded with a reinforced commitment to unified action against digital violence, utilizing hashtags #EndDigitalViolence and #16DaysOfActivism to amplify their message globally.