Female Ambassadors Launch 16 Days of Activism Against Digital Violence in Islamabad

Female ambassadors in Islamabad joined forces on Monday to kick off the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the growing threat of digital violence targeting women and girls. The event emphasized that online spaces must be safe, inclusive, and free from intimidation, and that every woman and girl has the right to participate online without fear.

The 16 Days of Activism runs annually from 25 November to 10 December, linking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to Human Rights Day. It mobilizes governments, communities, and individuals worldwide to support survivors and challenge harmful social norms. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” draws attention to the alarming rise of online abuse.

While the internet has historically been celebrated as a tool for empowerment, millions of women and girls now face fear and harassment online. AI-driven technologies, anonymity, and weak accountability systems have accelerated this trend, leaving an estimated 1.8 billion women and girls without legal protection from cyber-harassment and technology-facilitated abuse. Global studies indicate that nearly four in ten women have personally experienced online abuse, while 85% have witnessed it targeting others.

Deep fake technology poses an even greater risk, with up to 95% of all deep fakes being non-consensual sexually explicit images, and 99% of those targeted are women. This misuse of AI has turned digital platforms into battlegrounds that threaten women’s dignity, privacy, and safety. Despite the severity of the issue, fewer than 40% of countries have laws addressing cyberstalking or online harassment, leaving abusers largely unaccountable and survivors with limited recourse.

At the Islamabad launch, the ambassadors reiterated that there is #NoExcuse for any form of online abuse. They called on governments, tech companies, and communities to collaborate in making the internet a safe and empowering space for women and girls. Their message was clear: online violence is real violence, and safeguarding digital rights is essential for achieving equality and protection in today’s world.