Accepted posters for the ICT4D Non-Conference

Bushra Hassan


Sexual harassment through the use of ICTs is a global phenomenon, and this research intends better to understand it through a rigorous inquiry within the patriarchal context of Pakistan. Research to date on digital and online sexual harassment in economically poorer countries pays surprisingly little attention to issues of digital or online harassment. Therefore, this study aims to address attitudes towards, and experiences of, sexual harassment to which young people in Pakistan are subjected through their mobile devices.

Key findings and ideas:

The most frequent means for sexual harassment were through social media, and traditional uses of phones, such as calls and text messages. Women especially highlighted their increased vulnerability to such harassment by men, indicating the power of patriarchy and family honour. Interestingly, the religious character of Pakistani society was not seen as a strongly influential factor, and rather the most common explanations were that social factors encourage it, and that all types of harassment are common in Pakistan.

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