This week I have been in New York for the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women. One of the big themes has been around technology, how it has undoubtedly made our lives easier, but at the same time has had significant drawbacks.
Wednesday was spent with Microsoft, the Revenge Porn Helpline, Ofcom and Only Fans, discussing how we can close loopholes in existing legislation on the non-consensual sharing of images. I know how devastating that can be for young people and once an image has been shared it is incredibly difficult to exert any control over onward sharing.
There was a real concern at the CSW about the roll back of women’s rights across the world. There were some serious discussions around how the Gambia is introducing legislation to permit FGM. The young women we met at the UK Mission on Wednesday were particularly concerned about the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision, and it was important for the young activists at CSW, which included young women from Hampshire, to have their voices heard.
I am very much looking forward to the Select Committee coming to Test Valley next week to talk to older people’s groups as part of our current inquiry into the rights of older people. It is crucial to listen to the voices of those with lived experience, and hear their concerns on a range of issues. One of the recurring themes of the evidence we have had so far has been around digital exclusion and I have long been concerned that the move to apps and online services is leaving too many behind.
