Gender and Cyber Communication: A Systematic Literature Review of Challenges Faced by Women in Pakistan

Abstract

Cyber communication and gender issues have been subjects of sociolinguistic discussions among researchers in recent years. Online gender harassment has become a common phenomenon in the internet era. This harassment is aggravated when sufferers face more persecution due to delay, denial, and in some cases, unavailability of justice from the country's criminal justice system. Though third-world countries have categorized laws dealing with cyber-harassment to deal with cyber- criminals, the same system paves the way for secondary persecution. Past studies show that law enforcement agencies trivializing problems further victimizes the victim. This study is an endeavour to answer the following questions. What kind of cyber threats do Pakistani women face? Why has a country's judicial system failed to control cyber-harassment cases? What steps are required to deal with cyber-harassment? For this purpose, the data is collected from ten online journals and blogs. The study reveals that gender discrepancies, cybercrimes, and increasing reports of violent misogyny on the internet highlight the weakness of the country's security mechanism requires instant measures to be taken by the government by making strict cyber laws and a quick cyber force.