2023 Asian Conference of Women’s Shelters – Tackling Online and Technology-Facilitated Gender-based Violence in Asia
The Garden of Hope Foundation and the Asian Network of Women’s Shelters (ANWS) co-hosted the “2023 Asian Conference of Women’s Shelters: Tackling Online and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence” in Taiwan. This significant event, attended by international dignitaries and experts, focused on addressing the increasing diversity and severity of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. CEO Wang Yueh-hao emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to prevent and support survivors of such violence.
Government representatives, including Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lee Li-Feng, highlighted Taiwan’s recent legal amendments and initiatives to combat digital gender-based violence. International cooperation, led by organizations like ANWS, was underscored by Deputy Director Elvie Wu and Chair Chi Hui-Jung.
Over 350 participants from 62 countries gathered to discuss strategies involving technology, legislation, and civil society advocacy to combat digital gender-based violence in Asia and globally. The conference highlighted the urgent need to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, particularly in Asian societies, and aimed to raise awareness, seek solutions, and provide support to victims.
Keynote Speaker Sarah Baird, a Gender-Based Violence Specialist at the United Nations Population Fund, emphasized the disproportionate impact of online violence on women and called for gender-sensitive legislation and increased research to effectively respond to and mitigate technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The conference emphasized the importance of cooperation among governments, technology companies, civil society groups, and women’s organizations. It featured sessions with technology companies like Meta sharing their strategies for combating gender-based violence on their platforms, as well as policy discussions with representatives from Australia and Taiwan, which have enacted digital safety laws and made significant progress in tackling digital gender-based violence. This cross-sectoral collaboration aimed to foster dialogue and exchange insights among international and local industries and policymakers.
“The Best Panel I have”- NGO CSW67
The “From Visible to Invisible: Asian CSOs Confronting Digital GBV” parallel event, hosted by the Garden of Hope Foundation and the Asian Network of Women’s Shelters during NGO CSW67, received high praise for its success. Speakers from Singapore, Hong Kong, India, New York, and Taiwan shared insights into the challenges and prospects of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (GBV) in Asia. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on the impact of digital sexual violence in Asian countries and the Asian community in New York, as well as collaborative efforts between civil society organizations (CSOs) and governments to address the issue.
Feedback from the audience highlighted the event as one of the best sessions at NGO CSW67, underscoring its significance and relevance. The organizers, ANWS and GOH, are deeply moved and honored by the positive response and are committed to continuing advocacy for survivors in Asia and worldwide. They express gratitude to all speakers and attendees for their inspirational contributions and interactive engagement during the event.
Asian Network of Women's Shelters 