ONLINE SECURITY is no longer a purely technical concern and is now grounded in human rights, particularly for women navigating increasingly complex digital environments. Liza Garcia and Cristina Lopez, both leaders from the Foundation for Media Alternatives, (FMA) examined how online threats affect women and why current protections remain inadequate. In a recent Tech Sabado interview Garcia, who is Executive Director at FMA noted that digital spaces often replicate real-world inequalities, with persistent forms of gender-based violence such as harassment, cyberstalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. These, she stressed, are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern that remains underreported and, at times, normalized. While legal frameworks exist, enforcement continues to lag behind both the scale and the evolving nature of digital harm. The discussion reflects a broader reframing of cybersecurity. It is no longer limited to protecting systems and data, but extends to safeguarding individuals. For women, this includes the fundamental ability to participate in online spaces without fear of abuse, exploitation or exclusion.
Lopez highlighted digital literacy as a critical gap. She argued that vulnerability is not simply a matter of access to technology, but of understanding how to use it safely and responsibly. Many women, particularly in underserved communities, lack the knowledge and tools to secure their digital presence, leaving them more exposed to risks.
As Gender and ICT Program Officer at the FMA, Lopez focuses on practical interventions. These include training women and youth on digital security, conducting research on online gender-based violence and supporting advocacy efforts that link internet use with rights such as privacy, freedom of expression and protection from harm. Her background in social work informs a community-based approach, where education and awareness are treated as frontline defenses rather than secondary measures.
The conversation underscored that addressing women’s rights in digital spaces requires a multi-layered response. Legal frameworks must keep pace with emerging forms of abuse, while enforcement agencies need stronger capacity to respond effectively. At the same time, education systems and community initiatives must prioritize digital literacy, ensuring that users understand both the risks they face and the protections available to them.
Civil society organizations play a central role in this effort. By linking technology with broader human rights concerns, they are helping shift public understanding of cybersecurity, from technical resilience alone to the creation of safer, more inclusive digital environments.
In the latter part of the discussion, the hosts posed a direct question on what remains to be done, asking for a “wishlist” for women’s rights online. Garcia’s answer focused on enforcement: strengthening the implementation of existing laws addressing online abuse. She emphasized that many violations persist not because of a lack of legislation, but due to gaps in execution.
Lopez added that the challenge is both legal and structural. Barriers to reporting, ranging from how authorities handle cases to the stigma victims face within their communities continue to discourage women from coming forward. In many cases, reporting abuse can lead to further social consequences, reinforcing silence and underreporting. The discussion made clear that protecting women online is no longer a secondary issue. As digital participation becomes integral to daily life, ensuring safety, accountability and equal access in these spaces is now central to cybersecurity itself.