PNG’s Digital Space Becoming a Dangerous Place for Young Women

 Papua New Guinea’s digital space, once seen as a gateway for young people to express themselves, is increasingly becoming unsafe, with PNG women bearing the brunt of online abuse and intimidation.

Speaking during National Women’s Day, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Nicholas Booth and National GBV Secretariat Director Diane Kambenai warned that the impacts of online violence are now spilling into real-life harm across PNG communities.

PNG’s Digital Space Becoming a Dangerous Place for Young Women

They pointed out that while social media platforms connect people globally, the consequences of misuse are deeply felt at the local level, particularly among young women. Research across the Pacific indicates that cyberbullying, online harassment, and image-based abuse are disproportionately affecting girls and limiting their opportunities.

The officials highlighted disturbing cases in PNG where women accused of infidelity, sorcery, or bringing shame to their communities have had their identities exposed online. Personal photos and details shared on platforms like Facebook have sparked outrage, often leading to threats and physical attacks offline.

They further revealed that violent videos showing women being abused circulate widely on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, turning acts of brutality into viral content. Instead of raising awareness, such exposure often fuels fear and normalises violence.

The issue has also surfaced in public events, including the Miss PNG and Miss Pacific Islands pageants, where female contestants have been subjected to intense online criticism, sparking both constructive discussions and harmful commentary across the region.

Officials stressed that the wider consequences extend beyond individual victims, warning that fear of online targeting could discourage young women from stepping into leadership roles or participating in public life, ultimately affecting PNG’s future development.

They called for urgent collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and technology companies to strengthen policies, improve digital literacy, and promote culturally appropriate online safety measures.