Cyberspace, Women, and Sexuality
With the word “woman,” what often arises in people’s minds is an image closely tied to sexuality, going beyond the concept of motherhood. This happens because humans, by nature, are animals just like other creatures. However, humans differ from other animals in several ways — the ability to reason, to think, to possess biological strength, to walk upright on two feet, and the functionality of the cerebral cortex. These elements set humans apart.
From being a natural human to evolving into a cultural human in modern times, cultural influences have played a significant role. Every person holds within them a natural self, while the societal self, shaped by cultural norms, filters and presents that inner self to society. In this way, culture helps shape individuals to fit into society. The necessary background is created to instill discipline in individuals so they can behave appropriately in society.
Those who do not conform to these cultural molds are often rejected by society. People who face such cultural rejection sometimes turn to cyberspace to express their thoughts freely, without the constraints of cultural norms. Cyberspace is a medium that allows unlimited exploration, with or without revealing one’s identity.
But is cyberspace truly safe for women? That is an important question. The incidents we increasingly hear about concerning women and cyberspace are often not positive. Especially in today’s context, most interactions and transactions happen online — from young children to adults. Women do face abuse and violence in cyberspace. Often, such incidents are caused not only by women’s unawareness but also by the unchecked expression of sexuality, lust, and aggression in others’ subconscious minds — aspects discussed earlier in this article.
In cyberspace, the time it takes for a culturally conditioned person to revert to their natural state is very brief. The lack of self-regulation in individuals contributes significantly to this situation. While people act within certain limits in real life, in cyberspace they often break free of all boundaries. As a result, women frequently become victims of various forms of physical and psychological abuse, which can lead to emotional breakdowns. In some cases, not only young women but also young men pay with their lives due to the devastating impact of these experiences.
However, there are several steps women can take in such situations. In Sri Lanka, there are a few institutions where one can file complaints. One of them is the Sri Lanka Police. Additionally, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) (0112691693 / 0112695749) is also ready to support and protect you.
Often, women in these situations make drastic decisions, including giving up their lives, simply because they are unaware that such protective institutions exist. Therefore, it is essential to be informed and educated about these issues continuously. It is also our collective responsibility to raise awareness in society about how to stay safe — not just for women, but for anyone who may encounter such circumstances.
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