Consultant(s): Algorithmic Targeting, Extremism, and Gendered Harms: A Research Initiative

Terms of Reference
 

Position: Consultant(s) – To research and gather information on algorithmic-driven behavioral targeting and its links to rising violent extremism and misogyny, and gender based violence and harms against women, girls, and children online and offline 

Duration: 9 months (August 2025 to April 2026)
Location: Remote +/-5 hours GMT
Reporting to: Global Lead - End Sexual Exploitation 

1. Background

There is growing recognition of the links between new technologies, particularly AI-driven algorithmic systems, and the rise of misogyny and violent extremism, which are fueled by today’s digital architecture that thrives on polarization and division. This model is highly profitable for technology companies and politically advantageous for actors who exploit division for power, greed, and influence. Algorithmic-driven behavioral targeting is increasingly directing young men down pathways that promote violent misogynistic attitudes and dangerous ideologies. These systems often link misogynistic content with other forms of hate, such as transphobia, homophobia, racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism, creating a networked ecosystem of hate that can ideologically capture many young men and boys and escalate into engagement with violent extremism. The intensifying culture of online hate fuels not only acts of terror but also rising levels of gender-based violence and abuse. Consequently, women and girls are targeted through a range of “old” and emerging forms of harm, ranging from sexual harassment and stalking to deepfakes, doxing, hacking, astroturfing, trolling, and online grooming. This makes the internet a dangerous place for women and girls, and closes down their freedom to speak, participate, and live safely in both physical and digital realms. 

2. Objective of the Research Project 

Equality Now seeks to strengthen its advocacy to ensure that governments and the international community adopt and implement global legal and regulatory frameworks to hold accountable those who profit from algorithm-driven behavioural targeting that exploits user vulnerability, particularly among young men and boys, and the ensuing and/or related GBV and other harm. To do so, we would like to research the current and emerging issues, have greater clarity on current and potential interventions and allies, and identify recommendations, opportunities, and key stakeholders Equality Now and our partners can work with and/or target to bring about transformative legal and policy change. 

3. Scope of the Work

The Consultant(s) will research and gather information on the core themes, currently envisaged to include:  

1. Scanning existing literature, interventions, and initiatives to understand the links between AI-driven algorithmic systems and the rise of misogyny, violent extremism, and GBV
   1. The causes, drivers, and systemic structures, including the design and deployment of technology, tech companies' business models, and the role of the manosphere, that enable these dynamics.
   2. The pathways of grooming and capturing of young men and boys, and other groups, into dangerous ideologies and behaviours. How digital platforms and AI-driven algorithms amplify harmful content, and contribute to the grooming and capture of young men, and links to misogynistic behaviours. 
   3. Evidence and analysis of real-life impacts on the rights, safety, and freedoms of women and girls online and offline. 
   4. Evidence and analysis of real-life impacts on boys and young men, and impactful strategies on engaging men and boys. 

2. Analysis of ongoing and emerging initiatives and interventions to address the problem. The analysis should identify the initiatives and interventions across sectors and themes, including:  
   1. Across sectors - tech, law, policy, user engagement, etc., across governments, civil society, and the private sector. 
   2. Across geographies - global, regional, and national levels. 
   3. Across themes - prevention, protection, and accountability.
   4. Across demographic and social groups - young men and boys, women and girls.  
3. Actionable recommendations for Equality Now and our partners, focusing on the legal and policy frameworks, strategic interventions, and opportunities to advance legal and policy reforms at the international, regional, and national levels that we can advance with governments and policymakers.  
4. Strategic stakeholders for Equality Now to collaborate with within civil society, academia, governments, and international and regional bodies. 

3. Methodology

 

1. Review existing literature and other resources to identify key themes and issues for the research using gendered intersectional analysis, i.e., analysis that emphasizes gender and intersecting identities (such as age, race, class, disability, sexuality, etc.). 
2. Verify these themes and issues with relevant stakeholders (civil society, academic, UN, and other international and regional bodies, digital rights law and ethics experts, and civil society organizations working on the themes and issues identified). 
3. Present an Inception Report, which will include the methodology for the research, as well as the report content and structure outline.
    
4. Conduct the research based on the agreed methodology and the proposed content and structure of the report. 
   1. The methodology will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining desk-based analysis (literature and documents) with qualitative methods such as interviews, stakeholder meetings, and guided discussions. This methodology will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues by integrating existing evidence with insights gathered from key actors and experts working on the identified themes.
   2. The methodology will also ensure the inclusion of perspectives and evidence from varied stakeholders in the different regions of the world, thus ensuring global representation and perspectives on the issues and themes.
5. Submit periodic reports on the different themes and topics of the research.  
6. Produce a draft final report and conduct a review and validation process.  
   1.  Facilitate validation workshops/meetings comprising selected external stakeholders. 

4. Expected Deliverables

1. Review of existing literature and resources using gendered intersectional analysis
2. Verification of key themes and issues with relevant stakeholders
3. Inception Report, including research methodology and report outline
4. Implementation of research using a mixed-methods approach
5. Submission of periodic reports on the different themes and topics of the research 
6. Submission of a draft report
7. Facilitation of validation workshops or meetings with external stakeholders
8. Submission of a final report incorporating feedback

5. Timeframe

The consultancy is expected to run for 9 months, starting in August 2025, with the final report delivered by 30 April 2026.  A detailed work plan will be agreed upon at contract signing.

6. Reporting

The Consultant(s) will work under the supervision of the End Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Global Lead and report to a Research Technical Committee comprised of Equality Now, Women Leading in AI, and other partners, TBC. 

7. Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field such as Gender Studies, Digital Rights, Sociology, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Technology Policy, or related disciplines.
• Proven research experience on topics related to digital technology, algorithmic systems, online harms, gender-based violence, violent extremism, or a combination of these themes.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting gendered and intersectional analysis in research, especially concerning digital rights and online/offline violence against women and girls.
• Experience applying mixed-methods research approaches, including desk-based reviews and qualitative methods such as interviews, guided discussions, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of the intersection between technology, gender, and violence, particularly how algorithmic systems can shape behaviors and amplify harm.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex concepts and produce accessible, actionable insights.
• Exceptional written communication skills, including experience producing high-quality research reports for advocacy, policy, or academic audiences.
• Ability to engage credibly with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, academic institutions, UN and international bodies, legal and policy experts, and tech sector representatives.
• Familiarity with international and regional legal frameworks related to technology regulation, online harms, and gender-based violence.
• Knowledge of global and regional feminist perspectives, especially those rooted in the Global South and underrepresented communities.

7. Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a single PDF document containing:

• A CV or CVs of applicants if applying as a team (maximum three pages each)
• A technical proposal outlining:
  • Understanding of the assignment
  • Proposed methodology 
  • Work plan and timeline
     

• A sample of comparable reports produced 
• Names and contact information for three professional references
   

Deadline for applications: 1 August 2025 

Please fill in all required fields in the application form. If your application requires a written statement, writing example, or presentation, please attach it to the same document with your CV/resume or paste it into the same place where you write your cover letter. There is no other functionality to attach additional documents.

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