New Online Harm Prevention Toolkit Launched to Empower Women in Public Roles

Online abuse—ranging from misogynistic trolling to targeted harassment and threats—has reached alarming levels in recent years.

In a pivotal move to counter the growing issue of digital abuse, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg today launched a comprehensive new toolkit aimed at helping women and their employers tackle the pervasive threat of online harm. The announcement was made during the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding women’s participation in public life.

Online abuse—ranging from misogynistic trolling to targeted harassment and threats—has reached alarming levels in recent years. This form of harm disproportionately affects women in public-facing and leadership roles, creating a chilling effect that often leads to self-censorship, withdrawal from online platforms, and reduced engagement in political and civic discourse.

“The prevalence of online harm has become a serious issue, disproportionately impacting women who are in the public eye,” Minister Grigg stated. “The growing phenomenon of online abuse has the very real potential to deter women from stepping into leadership roles and engaging in public and political life.”

Introducing the Online Harm Prevention Toolkit

Developed by the Ministry for Women in partnership with online safety authority Netsafe, the newly launched toolkit offers a robust set of resources for both individuals and organizations. The toolkit includes:

• Interactive Educational Modules: These guide users through the nature and impact of online harm, strategies for resilience, and legal avenues for recourse.

• Practical Resources: Checklists, templates for workplace policies, and response plans that can be customized to different environments.

• Real-World Case Studies: First-hand accounts from women in leadership positions who have faced and overcome online abuse, providing relatable examples and encouragement.

The comprehensive nature of this toolkit reflects a multi-pronged approach: empowering women with knowledge, equipping employers with actionable steps, and educating society at large about the importance of collective responsibility in combating digital violence.

Evidence-Based Motivation for Action

The initiative draws on a growing body of research indicating that online harassment is not merely a nuisance, but a serious barrier to gender equity in public life. According to studies referenced by the Ministry, women experiencing high levels of online abuse are more likely to:

• Limit their social media activity,

• Refrain from sharing opinions on contentious issues,

• Decline opportunities to take on visible leadership roles.

This withdrawal not only stifles women’s voices but also undermines democratic and organizational diversity.

Building Supportive Digital Workplaces

Minister Grigg emphasized the vital role that employers play in shaping safe digital environments. “This toolkit aims to ensure women have the tools to engage safely and confidently online,” she said. “It’s also a call to action for employers—every workplace should take responsibility in fostering respectful digital conduct and standing with those who experience harm.”

By encouraging organizations to adopt best practices from the toolkit, the government aims to shift the burden of online safety from individual women to the broader systems and institutions around them.

Accessing the Toolkit

The online harm prevention toolkit is now publicly accessible through the official websites of the Ministry for Women and Netsafe. Employers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in fostering safer online interactions are encouraged to explore the toolkit and integrate its practices into their professional environments.

Towards a Safer, More Inclusive Digital Future

This new initiative marks a significant step in empowering women and affirming their right to participate fully and fearlessly in the digital age. As online platforms continue to shape public life, tools like this are essential for ensuring that all voices—especially those of women—can be heard, respected, and protected.