Decoding Gendered Harm in Jamaican Online Spaces
AI transforms WMW’s evidence-based work against gender-based violence in Jamaica
From 2021 and 2023, WMW Jamaica worked with research partner, Quilt.AI, harnessing their AI analysis tools to investigate conversations in the Jamaican digital sphere. Collaboration with an independent local, Jamaican gender expert facilitated understanding of the prevailing context, risk factors, and specific areas of interest related to gender-based violence in Jamaica.
Thanks to support from Oxfam Canada and the Government of Canada through the WE-Talk project, the resulting report, Tapping Social Media Using Artificial Intelligence to Understand Gender-Based Violence Norms and Perceptions in Jamaica, is informing our community education as we help sensitize and train hundreds of Jamaicans how to foster a culture toward safety and support, and away from harmful gender narratives, disinformation, and violence.
Side profile of a Black woman’s face overlaid With symbols of digital and social media tech
Read the Report Summary
The narratives emerging from the AI analysis of social media content revealed shared beliefs and assumptions regarding gender and gender-based violence. Eleven such narratives were formulated, operating as harmful norms or stereotypes in that they shape attitudes, practices and behaviour that justify or contribute to gender-based violence, prevent survivors from seeking support, and pose barriers to developing effective strategies for prevention.
a young black woman looks up in deep thought with her hand on her chin
Explore the Full Report
The WE-Talk project aims to help reduce gender-based violence (GBV) in Jamaica by raising awareness about harmful attitudes and behaviours contributing to GBV, and by empowering community leaders and organizations. Innovative methods for research, stakeholder engagement, behaviour change communication campaigns, and capacity building help to promote transformation of social norms and reduce GBV.
A Young Black woman looks directly at the viewer with serious, focused eyes
To Members of the Press
Kingston, Jamaica - March 2024
A landmark study has shed light on the complex landscape of gender-based violence (GBV) in Jamaican digital media. Conducted by Quilt.ai, Oxfam Canada and WMW Jamaica, the study used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse online discourse across various social media platforms, providing valuable insights into prevailing norms surrounding GBV and creating the first-ever comprehensive dataset on Jamaicans’ online discussion of GBV.
