Addressing Gender Biases and Cyber Threats in AI and Cybersecurity for Women’s Security in South-East Asia

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact women’s security in South-East Asia, but systemic issues such as gender biases and cyber threats pose serious obstacles. Research conducted by UN Women and the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) sheds light on the challenges faced by women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and women’s Civil Society Organisations (WCSOs) in the region, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.

The research emphasizes that gender biases in widely used AI-systems contribute to the marginalization of women in the context of peace and security. Discrimination, stereotyping, exclusion, and insecurity are identified as key types of gender biases that need to be tackled to ensure the positive impact of AI on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in South-East Asia. While AI has the potential to add substantial value to the region’s economy by 2030, it is crucial to understand and mitigate the risks associated with these technologies to support effective regulation and governance.

WHRDs and WCSOs in South-East Asia are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, which can have serious implications for their work in promoting women’s rights. While these organizations are increasingly aware of the risks they face in the digital space, they often lack the resources and expertise to adequately prepare for and recover from cyber-attacks. The report underscores the need for targeted support to enhance cyber-resilience and ensure the protection of women’s digital rights.

To enhance the impact of AI on the WPS agenda, it is essential to address the risks posed by AI systems, especially in the realm of social media and other digital tools. Additionally, there is a need to develop AI tools explicitly designed to support gender-responsive peace in line with WPS commitments. The report emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive and collaborative approaches in cybersecurity policy development and engagement, and building the capacity of various stakeholders to prevent and respond effectively to cyber threats targeting women human rights defenders and civil society organizations.

The research findings highlight the urgent need for action to address gender biases and cyber threats in AI and cybersecurity for women’s security in South-East Asia. Recommendations include the development of training materials based on the research findings, targeted interventions in politically volatile and conflict-affected contexts, and the creation of e-learning modules and training handbooks in multiple languages to build the capacity of stakeholders in the region. By promoting gender equality and enhancing cyber-resilience, significant progress can be made towards ensuring the safety and security of women human rights defenders and civil society organizations in South-East Asia.

Overall, the research underscores the importance of addressing gender biases and cyber threats in AI and cybersecurity to advance women’s security and promote gender-responsive peace in South-East Asia. By understanding and mitigating the risks associated with AI technologies and enhancing cyber-resilience among women human rights defenders and civil society organizations, meaningful progress can be made towards achieving the goals of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in the digital age.