UNiTE Against Digital Violence on Women

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, observed each year from November 25 to December 10, aims to mobilize action to end violence against women and girls. This year’s focus, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” draws attention to the growing misuse of technology to stalk, harass, and abuse women. Digital violence often escalates into offline harm, including coercion, physical abuse, and even killing, and disproportionately affects women with public or online visibility, such as activists, journalists, politicians, and young women. The impact is amplified for those facing intersecting forms of discrimination, including religion, race, disability, or gender identity.

Globally, the UN defines violence against women as any act of gender-based violence likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm. International frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women underpin these protections. The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Sustainable Development Goal 5 further provide a framework for preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Organizations such as UN Women and UNICEF lead initiatives, offering resources, expertise, and coordination to support global efforts.

In Pakistan, constitutional protections and specific legislation aim to protect women, including the Federal Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2020, and provincial laws like the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, 2016. Cybercrimes are addressed under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which criminalizes threats, defamation, and non-consensual sharing of images or videos. These laws also provide prevention, protection, and rehabilitation measures, including psychosocial support, legal aid, and shelter. However, implementation challenges remain significant.

Statistics highlight the severity of the issue. In 2024 alone, the Digital Rights Foundation received 3,171 complaints of tech-facilitated gender-based violence, with women filing 1,772 of these cases. Studies suggest that 65% of Pakistani women experiencing online harassment do not report it due to fear, shame, or lack of trust in institutions. According to the National Commission on the Status of Women, 40% of women have faced online harassment, yet conviction rates remain low. For broader gender-based violence, more than 32,000 cases were reported in 2024, including rape, abduction, domestic violence, and honor killings, with conviction rates below 1% for most crimes. Weak investigations, lack of forensic evidence, societal stigma, and judicial inefficiencies allow perpetrators to evade justice.

This year’s campaign emphasizes the importance of digital safety as part of gender equality efforts. Governments must strengthen and enforce laws, tech companies must ensure safe online platforms, and organizations must raise awareness and advocate against digital abuse. Individuals can contribute by speaking out, supporting survivors, challenging harmful online norms, attending digital safety sessions, and promoting male allyship campaigns. Engaging with community organizations through volunteering, financial support, or participation in events can create safer spaces and amplify impact.

Equally crucial is listening to survivors, sharing their stories, and supporting them in their healing journey. By amplifying voices of survivors, society can break the silence around gender-based violence, empower others to seek justice, and move closer to a future where women and girls are safe both online and offline.

The writer is a human rights activist and a member of the Working Group at the National Commission on the Rights of the Child.