Unveiling Feminist Perspectives on Cybersecurity: Challenging Militarisation and Gendered Norms in Cyberspace

Public Session

02:00pm, 25th May 2024

This panel discussion delves into the intersection of feminist perspectives on digital / cybersecurity, with a specific focus on EU policies and reforms. By examining relevant EU policies such as the EU’s Cybersecurity Strategy (Cybersecurity Act, Cyber Resilience Act, Cyber Solidarity Act) and the Digital Services Act in light of the prevalent framing of cyberspace as “hostile”, we aim to challenge the militarisation of cyberspace and address gendered norms within these frameworks. The dialogue will explore the implications of EU-centric approaches to cybersecurity on marginalised groups and civil society, emphasising the need for a feminist lens in policy formulation and norm-setting processes within the EU context. While acknowledging the role of European politics and the EU in shaping cybersecurity/digital policies, the dialogue will also highlight diverse perspectives from around the world to provide a comprehensive understanding. By examining the impact of cyber operations on critical infrastructure, disinformation, and surveillance through a gendered perspective, the panel aims to shed light on the importance of inclusive and human-centric cybersecurity practices. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that navigates the complexities of cybersecurity through a feminist framework, with a specific focus on EU policies and reforms.

Moderated by Yasmin Al-Douri

Yasmin Al-Douri is a founder, tech ethics expert and Senior Landecker Democracy Fellow. As Co-Director of the Responsible Technology Hub, Yasmin was named Forbes 30 under 30 list and also worked on Responsible AI for various tech companies including Microsoft. She was also named one of the world's 50 Young Global Changemakers. 

Speakers

  • Pavlina Pavlova

    #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellow at New America

    Pavlina Pavlova is a #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellow at New America, where she explores the gendered impacts of data weaponization, analysing how malicious data breaches can harm individuals through multiple extortions, and the ramifications of such cyberattacks for societal resilience and international security. She has driven civil society engagement at the UN processes on cybersecurity and cybercrime and served as an OSCE official focusing on the human dimension of security. Her research examines the impact of technology on people and translates the evidence into recommendations for improved governance.

  • Juraj Majcin

    Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre

    Juraj Majcin is a Policy Analyst in the Europe in the World Programme. He works mainly on European and transatlantic security and defence cooperation, as well as hybrid threats, disinformation and cybersecurity.

    Prior to joining EPC, Juraj led the Peace, Security & Defence at Friends of Europe. He also worked on multiple policy research projects on digital governance and security at the World Economic Forum and Geneva Centre.

  • Sofiia Shevchuk

    Founder, Vona

    Sofiia Shevchuk is originally Ukrainian, currently based in Brussels, Belgium. Sofiia is founder of an educational and consultancy platform VONA, and NGO "The Tide", both dedicated to the topics of environment, gender, peace and security; she also serves as an independent researcher, trainer, facilitator and a podcast host (e.g. VONA Talks, WIIS Brussels Voices, etc.). Through building connections, in-depth research, and facilitation of discussions Sofiia aims to contribute to a more equal, climate-just, and peaceful world. Sofiia has over 8 years of professional experience in the abovementioned topics. Prior to becoming a consultant, Sofiia worked with the German Marshall Fund of the United States, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, European Parliament (office of MEP Dr Hannah Neumann), the Brussels Binder, and a number of other smaller organisations