A Novel Approach to the 11 UN Norms for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace: Guidelines for Gendered Implementation

Cybersecurity has important implications for gender equality. Cybersecurity incidents affect people of different genders differently. Moreover, inattention to gender makes
cybersecurity less effective. It introduces unnoticed vulnerabilities into technical systems and policy responses to cyber threats. The underrepresentation of women and people of diverse gender identities, expressions and sexualities within technical and policy cybersecurity roles means that the sector fails to benefit from the innovation, creativity and complexity of diverse teams.

The 11 United Nations (UN) norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace aim to govern state behaviour in cyber-related issues in relation to other states. They do not explicitly address gender. However, the implementation of the norms is an ongoing and dynamic process that evolves alongside a state’s cyber capacity. Drawing on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, this report offers guidance to policymakers and practitioners on how to integrate gender considerations into cybersecurity policies and practices through a novel, human-centred gender approach to the interpretation and implementation of the 11 UN
norms.

The framework provided will support states and other entities in the cybersecurity sector in enhancing the security and stability of international cyberspace while also promoting gender equality.