Glossary
Algorithmic discrimination
phenomenon whereby algorithms, often unintentionally, reproduce or amplify existing social biases, such as those based on gender, race, or ethnicity.
Body Shaming
To ridicule or insult someone for their physical appearance, lifestyle, or behavior, often through photos or memes.
Coding
computer programming activities to communicate and provide instructions to a computer system, based on computational thinking.
Cyber violence of gender
forms of online violence specifically aimed at women or gender minorities, including harassment, threats, dissemination of intimate images without consent.
Cyberbullying
Aggressive behavior, intentional and repeated over time, carried out through digital tools (social, chat, email, etc.) against a person who cannot easily defend himself.
Digital access
the concrete possibility of accessing digital technologies (internet, devices, software) by individuals or groups. Access may be limited by economic, geographic, cultural or gender factors.
Digital divide
gap between those who have access to and skills in using digital technologies and those who are excluded. The gap can be economic, geographical, social and/or gender.
Digital empowerment
process through which people gain power, confidence and capabilities through the conscious use of digital technologies.
Digital Gender Gap
gender gap in access, use and participation in digital technologies. This can include internet access, skills, tech employment and representation in digital media.
Digital Literacy
ability to use digital technologies effectively and safely. It includes basic skills such as navigating online, using software, protecting your data, but also more advanced skills.
Digital representation
presence and visibility of women and gender minorities in content, digital media and online platforms.
Doxxing (o Doxing)
Posting someone's personal and private information (address, phone number, etc.) online, often to harm that person.
E-commerce
commercial activities involving the exchange of goods (physical or digital) held online through specific tools, software platforms.
Fair by Design
programming and coding approach that has become a European standard, which presupposes the concept of fairness understood as the absence of any form of discrimination and distortion in the training of machines and in decisions if taken with the support of Artificial Intelligence.
Female Digital Employment
women's participation in technology- and digital-related work roles is often lower than that of men for cultural, educational and structural reasons.
Flame/Flaming
heated and offensive arguments in forums, comments or chats, often using vulgar or inflammatory language.
Gender Bias
implicit or explicit biases that influence the treatment of people based on their gender. In the digital context, it can manifest itself in algorithms, content, or online interactions.
Gender equality (in the digital sphere)
equal access, opportunities and treatment between men and women in the digital world, including professional, educational and innovation sectors.
Gender Equality in ICT
gender balance in the information and communication technology sector, from training to leadership.
Gender stereotypes
preconceived ideas about the roles and capabilities of men and women. In the digital world, these stereotypes can discourage girls from training or working in the tech sector.
Gender Technologies
digital tools designed to address specific needs of women or to promote gender equality (e.g. women's health apps, online violence reporting platforms).
Hackathons
born from the fusion of Hacking and Marathon, it is an event in which various people with more or less experience in programming and technology come together in a creative marathon to solve specific problems through group work and playful challenges.
Hate Speech
Offensive or discriminatory expressions against a person or group based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc.
ICT
acronym for Information and Communication Technologies, refers to Technologies relating to integrated telecommunication systems (wired and wireless communication lines), computers, audio-video technologies and related software, which allow users to create, store and exchange information.
Inclusive digital education
training courses promoting equal access to digital skills, paying attention to gender, disability, social and cultural context.
Intersectionality
approach that considers how different dimensions of identity (gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, etc.) interact to create complex discrimination, including in the digital context.
Machine Learning
synonymous with Deep Learning, is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that aims to enable computers and machines to mimic the way humans learn, perform tasks autonomously, and improve their performance and accuracy through experience and exposure to more data.
Neural Network
is a machine learning program, or model, that makes decisions in a similar way to the human brain, using processes that mimic the way biological neurons work together to identify phenomena, weigh options, and reach conclusions. It is often the basis of Artificial Intelligence systems.
Revenge Porn
Public sharing of intimate or sexually explicit images without the consent of the person portrayed, for revenge or humiliation.
Sexting
sending or receiving messages, photos or videos of sexual content via smartphone or internet. It can become cyberbullying if the content is then shared without consent.
STEM
acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, it includes all those school, university, professional and training courses relating to scientific subjects.
STEM Skills
skills and knowledge related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Women have historically been underrepresented in these fields, contributing to the digital gender gap.
Technological and/or digital inclusiveness
designing technologies and software systems that take into account the needs of all, including women, gender minorities and vulnerable groups.
Webinar
digital seminar held online through specific platforms.
Women in Tech
movement and set of initiatives aimed at promoting women's participation in the technology sector, through mentorship, networking, education and policy.
