No Escape – Tackling Gender-Based Digital Transnational Repression
March 24, 2025 | 10:00AM - 11:30AM
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Online
Location | Online via Zoom
On behalf of MEP Hannah Neumann and The Citizen Lab, we are pleased to invite you to an exclusive virtual presentation and discussion of No Escape: The Weaponization of Gender for the Purposes of Digital Transnational Repression. This newly published research report by The Citizen Lab sheds light on the alarming intersections of gender, digital technologies, and authoritarianism.
About the Event
The Citizen Lab is a globally renowned research group based at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, that investigates the intersection of digital technologies, human rights, and global security. Their report, No Escape, focuses on the experiences of 85 women human rights defenders and journalists from 24 countries, including Iran, China, and Russia, now residing in 23 host countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
The report uncovers the weaponization of digital tools used by authoritarian regimes to target exiled women, employing tactics such as online harassment, defamation, and invasive surveillance. These attacks are not only designed to intimidate but also to silence dissent and undermine democracy.
Lead researchers and co-authors, Siena Anstis, Noura Aljizawi, and Marcus Michaelsen, will present key findings from the report, followed by a discussion with journalists and research fellows, on actionable solutions to address gender-based digital transnational repression.
Programme
Opening Remarks
- Hannah Neumann, Member of European Parliament
Key Findings Presentation
- Siena Anstis, Senior Researcher, The Citizen Lab
- Marcus Michaelsen, Senior Researcher, The Citizen Lab
- Noura Aljizawi, Senior Researcher, The Citizen Lab
- Maryam Mirza, Journalist, and Iran Research Fellow, The Citizen Lab
- Arzu Geybulla, Journalist, and Azerbaijan Research Fellow, The Citizen Lab
- Emile Dirks (moderator), Senior Research Associate, The Citizen Lab
Q&A Session
Engage directly with our panel of experts
Why You Should Join
- Gain insights into how gender and technology intersect to suppress human rights globally.
- Learn from firsthand accounts about the impacts of digital repression on women human rights defenders.
- Explore actionable recommendations to strengthen protections for activists and journalists.
Registration
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Secure your spot: register above. A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.
We look forward to your participation in this vital conversation. Together, we can amplify efforts to safeguard human rights and combat the weaponization of digital technologies against women.