Digital connectivity has created new opportunities for Jordanian women’s professionaldevelopment and civic engagement, providing increased flexibility and agency. However, despite digital platforms offering new opportunities for women in Jordan, they continue to face targeted harassment and systemic exclusion online. This is attested to by data from the country’s Cybercrime Unit, showing that women were the primary victims of cyber-extortion. Previous research elsewhere has shown that women in high-profile roles — including politicians, journalists and other public figures — face disproportionate levels of online hostility compared to their male counterparts.

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) and CASM Technology are leading a collaborative initiative for the European Union (EU) to empower women in Jordan through research-driven prevention and response programmes. This study is the first of six papers that aim to provide insights into the online landscape of hate speech and misogyny in the country. It offers a comprehensive understanding of how social media platforms including X, YouTube and Facebook shape the landscape of online misogyny. It also provides evidence-based recommendations for creating safer and more inclusive online spaces. Finally, it highlights the urgent need for coordinated action from policymakers, platforms and civil society organisations (CSOs) to effectively combat online misogyny and hate speech.