Brunei Reinforces Commitment to Combat Online Gender-Based Violence
Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: The Community Development Department (JAPEM) remains steadfast in its efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV), including online threats, and to support survivors, stated Acting Director Dayang Fauziah binti Haji Mohd Salleh at a recent roundtable session.
Organized by Project Women Brunei in conjunction with International Women’s Day, the discussion focused on creating safer digital spaces for women and girls in Brunei.
“Our department is dedicated to fostering a safe environment and providing essential services for survivors,” said Dayang Fauziah, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts despite progress made. She further highlighted the growing urgency of tackling online gender-based violence (OGBV), particularly in light of emerging AI-generated threats.
The session featured insights from the Royal Brunei Police Force on cyber abuse enforcement and the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) on enhancing digital safety practices. Discussions emphasized that collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and the private sector is essential in addressing OGBV effectively.
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Caryn R. McClelland, also addressed the forum, advocating for proactive measures to remove harmful online content and ensure digital safety for women and girls. She praised Project Women Brunei for its initiative, aligning with global efforts to promote digital resilience and online security.
The recommendations from the session will contribute to Brunei’s Plan of Action on Women, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing women’s safety in all spaces—both online and offline.
