The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in South-East Asia comes with systemic issues that can potentially jeopardize women’s security. It is evident that gender biases prevalent across widely used AI-systems present a significant challenge to the positive utilization of AI in the realm of peace and security in the region. Research conducted by UN Women and the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) sheds light on the risks faced by women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and women’s Civil Society Organisations (WCSOs) in South-East Asia concerning cyber threats. Despite their awareness of these risks, these individuals are often ill-equipped to prepare for, or recover from, cyber-attacks.
The report “Artificial Intelligence and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in South-East Asia” analyzes the opportunities and risks posed by AI through the lens of gender biases within the technology. Notably, the study identifies four types of gender biases in AI—discrimination, stereotyping, exclusion, and insecurity—that must be addressed to enable the region to fully harness the potential of new technological advancements. The research delves into the relationship between AI and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda across three categories: AI for peace, neutral AI, and AI for conflict, emphasizing both favorable and unfavorable effects on gender-responsive peace and women’s agency in peacebuilding efforts.
To advance the dynamics of AI and the WPS agenda in South-East Asia, the research advocates for mitigating the risks associated with AI systems. This entails focusing on social media platforms, as well as other tools like chatbots and mobile applications, to safeguard the WPS agenda. Additionally, the development of AI tools explicitly designed to support gender-responsive peace in alignment with WPS commitments is deemed crucial. By emphasizing the importance of fostering cyber-resilience among women human rights defenders and civil society organizations, the report aims to uphold the human and digital rights of women amidst escalating cybersecurity threats.
The second report, “Cybersecurity Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Resilience among Women Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society in South-East Asia,” explores the specific vulnerabilities faced by WHRDs and WCSOs in the region concerning cyber threats. It underscores the gendered nature of cyber threats, with women-led organizations being targeted due to the nature of their work. The report highlights the central role of digital technologies in the operations of WCSOs and WHRDs, while also acknowledging the disproportionate threats and risks faced by these groups, including online harassment, trolling, and doxxing.
The findings underscore the necessity of fostering inclusive and collaborative approaches in cybersecurity policy development to address the unique challenges faced by women’s rights advocates. Building the capacity of civil society, government, and private-sector stakeholders to prevent and respond to cyberattacks is essential in mitigating the disproportionate impacts on WCSOs and WHRDs. Attention must be directed towards at-risk individuals and organizations, particularly women’s groups operating in politically volatile and conflict-affected contexts where civic space is increasingly restricted.
The intersection of artificial intelligence, digital security, and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in South-East Asia presents complex challenges that necessitate gender-responsive solutions. By prioritizing the enhancement of cybersecurity resilience and promoting inclusive policies, stakeholders can empower women human rights defenders and civil society organizations to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. Through concerted efforts to address gender biases in AI systems and mitigate cybersecurity risks, progress can be made towards a more secure and equitable digital space for women in the region.
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