The accelerated expansion of digital technologies raises emerging and specific challenges related to inclusion, non-discrimination, and digital violence, particularly for populations historically marginalized by interconnected systems of oppression such as colonialism, racism, and patriarchy. This exploratory, intersectional, and decolonial study, conducted across eight Latin American countries, seeks to understand how current legislation addresses these issues in the digital realm. It also examines the perceptions of affected communities regarding the use of digital technologies and the construction of identities in virtual spaces. The analysis focuses on the potential of the metaverse as a new digital sphere that, if designed from inclusive and decolonial perspectives from the Global South, could offer opportunities for representation and active participation for these communities.
The theoretical framework is enriched by key concepts such as intersectionality, the coloniality of gender, and the matrix of domination, proposing a critical analysis of technology-facilitated violence through a lens that acknowledges the convergence of multiple vulnerability factors. Using a qualitative methodology that includes listening sessions, in-depth interviews, and a review of the legislation in the selected countries, this research aims to identify opportunities for digital inclusion and the mitigation of digital gender-based violence in the design and development of the metaverse.
This analysis reveals that despite legislative efforts to address digital violence and promote inclusion, there remains a critical need to integrate intersectional and decolonial approaches into public policies and technological design. Highlighting some regional best practices and experiences, the study argues for the development of metaverses that not only embrace the cultural and gender diversity of Latin America but also incorporate the voices of its communities in creation and design processes, paving the way for more just and equitable digital futures.
Keywords: intersectionality, metaverse, gender, diversity, digital violence, Global South.
General Coordination: Araceli Ramírez
Authors: Araceli Ramírez, Jazmín Sánchez, Abril Reyna, Ana Calderón, Lilian Soto Badui, Maricarmen Sequera
Alliances and Collaborations: Luchadoras (Mexico), Sula Batsu (Costa Rica), Amaranta ONG (Chile), Hiperderecho (Peru), Fundación Karisma (Colombia), InternetLab (Brazil), and LatFem (Argentina).