Digital inequalities, algorithmic discrimination, and the emergence of new forms of violence against girls and women

Abstract

In the digital age, social and technological transformations have redefined modes of interaction, access to information, and civic expression. Although these changes
offer unprecedented opportunities, they also give rise to new forms of systemic inequalities and violence, particularly against girls and women. For example, image
generators powered by artificial intelligence produce up to three times more images of men than of women in response to gender-neutral professional terms (1)
.
Women are often portrayed in low-status roles—cashiers, assistants, or cleaners—while men appear in technical or managerial positions (2)
.
According to the Global Gender Gap Report (2023), “If current progress continues, it would take 131 years to achieve full equality between men and women in all
areas, including access to digital technology.”
(3)
. Beyond content and algorithms, digital inequalities also manifest themselves in unequal access to technologies.
According to the ITU report (2025), disparities in internet access remain profound; in 2023, only 5.1% of African households had access to fixed broadband,
compared to 96% in Europe and more than 70% in Asia-Pacific. This means that women living in regions with low connectivity are not only excluded from
information, but also unable to report or document digital violence (4)
.
This article examines the dynamics of digital inequality through a gender lens, highlighting the mechanisms that underpin new forms of digital exclusion. It adopts
a resolutely intersectional approach that draws on theoretical and empirical sources to propose forward-looking recommendations for inclusive digital governance
that respects human rights and is gender-sensitive.