As digital transformation accelerates across Asia and the Pacific, technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) has emerged as a significant challenge, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and vulnerable groups in online spaces. Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions to prevent and respond to harm while promoting digital inclusion and empowerment.
The CSO Conversations webinar highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in tackling TFGBV. Speakers shared practical examples of CSO-led solutions, emphasizing how grassroots initiatives can support survivors, raise awareness, and strengthen online safety. The session also explored entry points for collaboration within Asian Development Bank (ADB) operations, including integrating safeguards, mitigating digital risks, and implementing gender-responsive programming.
The webinar was jointly organized by ADB’s Gender Equality Division, Digital Sector Office, and the NGO and Civil Society Center (NGOC) under the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department (CCSD). It targeted ADB staff across regional departments and sector groups, as well as CSOs and development partners working on gender, digital transformation, and online safety.
Resource speakers included Saijai Liangpunsakul, Founder of Stop Online Harm; Christine Sumog-oy, Philippines Country Lead at National Models for Women’s Safety Online; Saranzaya Gerelt-Od, Senior Gender Officer at CCSD’s Gender Equality Division; and Arianne Jimenez, Digital Development Specialist at ADB. They discussed lessons learned, effective CSO-led approaches, and strategies to integrate CSO engagement and digital safeguards into ongoing ADB programs to combat TFGBV effectively.
