Playa del Carmen advances gender-informed digital safety and security

The Government of Playa del Carmen is intensifying its push for digital equality and online security, with a strong emphasis on preventing gender-based digital violence. The initiative integrates police training, institutional awareness, and inclusive public policies to address modern digital challenges. Reports indicate that Mayor Estefanía Mercado’s administration recently organized a training session titled “Gender Perspective: Prevention of Violence Against Women and Digital Violence,” aimed at operational staff, administrative personnel, and cadets from the Police Academy. A core focus was educating participants about the Olimpia Law, a key Mexican regulation targeting harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and other forms of digital abuse. The sessions sought not only to impart legal knowledge but also to foster a culture of respect and responsibility within security forces, ensuring victim assistance is empathetic and professional. Idania Gamboa Medina, head of the Women’s Institute in Playa del Carmen, underscored the need to build an institutional culture that respects human rights and responds sensitively to victims. Anton Bojórquez Mackay, Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction, represented by the mayor, highlighted prioritizing the professionalization of local police to be approachable, humane, and capable in digital violence scenarios. Present were other key figures such as José Gabriel Pérez Álvarez, director of the Youth Institute, and Alinne Castillo from the Women’s Care Center (CAM), representatives of the municipal DIF. The initiative arises amid a context where official data suggest a significant proportion of women in Quintana Roo have faced various forms of violence, including in digital spaces. From an e-government perspective, the effort strengthens the legitimacy and sensitivity of public institutions and opens doors to broader policies to protect individuals’ integrity online. Training police with a gender perspective signals a move toward more responsible governance in an increasingly connected world. Finally, Playa del Carmen reinforces its identity as a modern, inclusive city—digital services must be accessible to all without risk of violence, discrimination, or revictimization. The challenge now is translating these trainings into concrete actions to prevent abuse, support victims, and build institutional trust.