Supporting the global efforts in strengthening the safety, security and resilience of Cyberspace, the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Forum 2013, organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation. The ceremonial opening examined how Cyberspace could be governed and utilised in a manner to foster freedom and entrepreneurship, while protecting individuals, property and the state, leading to socio-economic development. Speakers of this session, Mr Mario Maniewicz, Chief, Department of Infrastructure, Enabling Environment and E-Applications, ITU; Mr David Pollington, Director, International Security Relations, Microsoft; Mr Alexander Seger, Secretary, Cybercrime Convention Committee, Council of Europe; Mr Nigel Hickson, Vice President, Europe, ICANN and Mr Pierre Dandjinou, Vice President, Africa, ICANN, added their perspectives on various approaches to Cybergovernance, with general agreement on the role Cyberspace could play to facilitate development equitably and fairly across the world. Hosted by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cameroon together with the Telecommunications Regulatory Board of Cameroon and backed by partners and industry supporters including ICANN, Council of Europe, Microsoft, MTN Cameroon, AFRINIC and Internet Watch Foundation, the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Forum 2013 seeks to broaden stakeholder dialogue to facilitate practical action in Cybergovernance and Cybersecurity, some of which will be reflected in the CTO’s own work programmes under its Cybersecurity agenda.

1. WOMEN IN CYBERSPACE:
ARE WOMEN SAFE INARE WOMEN SAFE IN
CYBERSPACE?
26th April, 2013. Asheri Kilo, P.hd

2. INTRODUCTION(1)
This panel seeks to discuss obstacles to
women using cyberspace effectively and
what can be done to construct cyberspacewhat can be done to construct cyberspace
experiences that are more appealing,
hospitable and attractive to women.
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3. INTRODUCTION(2)
At the 4th World Conference for Women in
Beijing, in 1995, ICTs were recognized as critical
for achieving women’s empowerment and gender
equality.equality.
ICTs provide opportunities for women’s full and
equal participation in all spheres of society.
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4. INTRODUCTION(3)
However, not many women have been
trained to use or are comfortable with
ICTs.ICTs.
They are minority users of cyberspace,
much of which is still controlled and
dominated by men.
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5. INTRODUCTION(4)
ICTs including
the internet,
mobile telephones,
games,games,
online video programs,
movies, etc in some instances reflect and
enhance violence against women.
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6. INTRODUCTION(5)
Sexual harassment and aggression,
Pornography
Stalking
Hostility towards womenHostility towards women
Debasement of women and
trafficking
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7. INTRODUCTION(6)
In any case, what percentage of Cameroonian
women actually use cyberspace?
Would women feel safer in a “women-only”Would women feel safer in a “women-only”
cyberspace forum?
Is moderating an option?
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8. INTRODUCTION(7)
There is a need to make the experience
safe for women.
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9. INTRODUCTION(8)
VALUES WOMEN PREDOMINANTLY WANT
Politeness,
courtesy,
interactions which promote social
relationships,
concern for discretion.
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10. INTRODUCTION(9)
Culturally, women are made answerable
to others for what they do with their
bodies.bodies.
The images women choose and the websites
they visit and even build, exemplify roles and
ideas they feel safe presenting to strangers
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11. INTRODUCTION(10)
These issues and more will be discussedThese issues and more will be discussed
in greater detail by the following ladies,
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12. INTRODUCTION(11)
Dr. Mrs Margaret Niger Thomas,
Director of women's empowerment and the family MINPROF
Miss Susie Hargreaves,
Chief executive of IWF since 2011, Board member, UK Child internet safety
Miss Augusta Epuli Anjoh and
Works at the Reference Multi-purpose Centre for the promotion of Youths
in Yaounde, MBA from the University of New Orleans.
Dr. Eni Muna Mbuagbaw.
Medical Doctor at the Cite Verte District Hospital, Yaounde
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13. INTRODUCTION(12)
We hope that women’s concerns will be
addressed to make cyberspace a critical
global resource for
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14. INTRODUCTION(13)
Information (women’s health),
contacts,
data banks for opportunities anddata banks for opportunities and
the magnificent social network that it
is meant to be.
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15. INTRODUCTION(14)
Women need tips on how to protect
themselves and feel secure in this fast
growing global network of the cyberspace.
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16. INTRODUCTION(15)
A similar round table discussion was held
in Montreal-Canada from 30th March to 2ndin Montreal-Canada from 30 March to 2
April 2006, on “women in cyberspace”.
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17. INTRODUCTION(15)
Interesting debate to say the
least !!!!
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