The Growing Threat of Digital Violence
Digital violence against women and girls is rising at an alarming pace. It spans harassment, doxxing, stalking, revenge pornography, and hateful abuse that follows women into the online world and, increasingly, into their offline lives. As smartphones and social media become ubiquitous, the risk compounds: a single cruel post, a targeted thread, or a shared private image can trigger fear, isolation, and real-world harm. The damage isn’t just emotional; it can affect employment, education, and physical safety.
Why This Is a Women’s Rights Issue
Digital space should be a platform for equality and empowerment. Instead, millions of women and girls face daily threats that reinforce gender inequality. Digital violence often mirrors age-old biases: women who speak up, challenge power, or seek visibility are disproportionately targeted. When online abuse goes unaddressed, it legitimizes harassment and silences voices that are essential to progress in politics, business, science, and culture.
The UN Women 16 Days of Activism Response
The UN Women 16 Days of Activism campaign brings global attention to the prevalence and impact of digital violence. It highlights not only the scale of abuse but also the urgent need for practical protections. The campaign advocates for comprehensive laws that deter perpetrators, uphold victims’ rights, and ensure accountability for platforms that fail to curb abuse. It also emphasizes prevention, digital literacy, and inclusive design to create online spaces where women and girls can participate without fear.
What Legal Protections Are Needed
Legal frameworks must address digital violence in clear, actionable terms. Key protections include: explicit criminalization of online threats and doxxing, robust reporting and remedy mechanisms, and privacy safeguards that allow victims to control their data. Laws should recognize repeated online abuse as a form of gender-based violence and provide swift, accessible remedies, including restraining orders and damages. Importantly, enforcement must be accompanied by survivor-centered support, such as hotlines, legal aid, and mental health resources.
Actions for Governments, Platforms, and Civil Society
Governments should legislate with a gender perspective, fund victim services, and require platforms to adopt transparent reporting and moderation standards. Technology companies must enforce rules against harassment, reduce anonymity where harmful, and design safer defaults for privacy and consent. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in monitoring progress, educating the public, and amplifying the voices of survivors. The 16 Days campaign invites everyone to participate—whether by advocating for policy change, supporting a local shelter, or mentoring young people on responsible online behavior.
Practical Steps for Individuals
Individuals can contribute to a safer digital environment by learning about privacy settings, using reporting tools on social media, and supporting peers who experience abuse. It’s also essential to challenge tolerance of online harassment when seen in communities, schools, and workplaces. Collecting evidence of abuse, understanding local legal options, and connecting with support services can help survivors take decisive action.
A Call to Action
Digital violence is not inevitable. With strong laws, accountable platforms, and informed communities, technology can advance gender equality instead of hindering it. The UN Women 16 Days of Activism campaign reminds us that every step toward safer online spaces is a step toward a fairer world. The goal is clear: a digital era where women and girls can learn, lead, and participate without fear.
