Representing Bullyid App, our Executive Director, Agita Pasaribu, had the privilege of attending the seventieth United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW) session on March 9-19, which took place in the UN Headquarters in New York. Under the theme “Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers,” the session was filled with discussions that push for the empowerment and liberation of women and girls around the world.
Participating as a panelist on the “When Women Lead, Systems Change” panel, Agita was joined by four other women leaders in discussing their roles in improving the safety of women and girls, particularly through technology and law. Agita spoke about the rise of AI-generated deepfake pornography; according to research, 96% of deepfakes are created for pornographic purposes, often without consent. This doesn’t just affect the reputation of the victims, but also their financial income and wellbeing.
Agita also shared the role of Bullyid App in combating the sexual violence crime. Previously, Bullyid App actively participated in the legalization of the Sexual Violence Bill (UU no. 12 Tahun 2022 tentang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual) in Indonesia. Further, Bullyid App provides legal and mental health counseling for victim-survivors of deepfake pornography and other forms of online gender-based violence, which has seen hundreds of beneficiaries across the country.
About her participation on the panel, Agita shared the following:
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and for the thoughtful insights shared by all the panelists and participants. After the session, I had the chance to connect with leaders from international organisations and the feminist movement, each bringing valuable perspectives to the conversation. These conversations highlighted how many people are still unaware of the rising concerns around Tech-facilitated GBV and Non-consensual Intimate Image Abuse.
Being able to share this reality with an international audience felt meaningful and necessary. The new relationships formed during this event are truly priceless, and knowing that we will continue working together to push for stronger protection and justice fills me with deep appreciation.”
Bullyid App is open to collaborations and partnerships from like-minded initiatives aimed for empowering women and girls. For more information, visit our website: https://bullyid.org/invite-us/.
