The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women welcomes the interim report of the Inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online and the opportunity for collective discussion on strengthening protections for young people.

BPW NZ’s longstanding policy commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls, promoting human rights, and ensuring equitable participation in education, employment, and leadership extends to digital environments. Online spaces are now integral to young people’s learning, social development, and future workforce engagement. They must be safe, inclusive, and free from harassment, exploitation, and gender-based harm.

We recognise that young women and girls experience particular forms of online abuse, including harassment, image-based abuse, and harmful gender stereotyping. Addressing these issues is essential to achieving genuine equality and enabling full participation in society.

BPW NZ supports a coordinated, evidence-based approach involving Government, industry, educators, families, and civil society. This includes improved digital literacy education, transparent platform accountability, and regulatory settings that prioritise the wellbeing and rights of young people.

We look forward to contributing constructively to the development of practical, balanced solutions that uphold both safety and participation in Aotearoa New Zealand’s digital future.

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