Cyber Violence Observatory Against Women kicks off to compact cyberbullying

AMMAN — In an effort to combat cyberbullying against women and in preparation for the upcoming elections, a local organisation on Monday launched the Cyber Violence Observatory Against Women.

The observatory, which is supported by the Australian embassy in Amman, includes 15 local organisations in various parts of the Kingdom.

“Our aim is to reach out to women all over the country to encourage them to seek advice in case they were subjected to cyberbullying, especially since the Parliamentary elections will be held in around two months,” said Founder and Director of Karak Castle Centre for Consultation and Training (KCCCT) Esraa Mahadin.

The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) set the Parliamentary elections for September 10.

Mahadin added that the aim is to hold awareness sessions on cyber violence against women and training on ways to deal with it and to file complaints when needed.

“Each organisation already established a hotline to receive complaints,” Mahadin told The Jordan Times.

The one-day launching event was held at the Geneva Hotel in Amman.

Australian ambassador to Jordan Bernard Lynch expressed his pride in the partnership of KCCCT, according to a press statement by the Australian embassy.

“We are proud to support KCCCT’s project that aims to create a safer digital sphere for women by empowering 2024 parliamentary candidates and raising local awareness about digital violence risks,” Lynch told the gathering.

Several speakers also spoke about the importance of combating cyberbullying against women and raising awareness about it.

Jordanian National Commission for Women Secretary-General Maha Ali highlighted the commission’s programmes in addressing cyberbullying against women and enhancing their political participation, according to the press release.

Meanwhile, head of the Women's Empowerment Unit at the IEC Samar Tarawneh highlighted the commission's mechanisms and procedures to reduce electoral and cyber violence against women, according to the press statement.

Engineer Jumana Abu Zaid from the National Cyber Security Center also addressed the centre's role in raising awareness about cyber violence and the mechanisms to combat it, the press statement added.