United Nations agencies in Pakistan used the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence platform at the Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad to press for immediate global action against digital violence. The event brought together speakers who underlined how online abuse affects women and girls and demanded stronger protections in both law and practice.
Speakers pointed to a stark reality: nearly half of the world’s women and girls still lack legal protection from online abuse. As technology continues to change the ways people communicate and organise, they argued that laws, institutions and social responses must adapt to meet new threats and close protection gaps.
The UN Agencies emphasised the need for survivor-centred mechanisms that put victims’ safety and agency first, and for inclusive digital spaces where women and girls can participate safely and equally. Strengthening reporting channels, improving access to remedies and designing policies with survivors in mind were highlighted as essential steps toward reducing digital violence.
At the Islamabad gathering, speakers urged Pakistani policymakers, civil society and technology stakeholders to work together to update regulations and support services so that online abuse is addressed with the same urgency as offline violence. The call was for action that combines legal safeguards, institutional capacity and social awareness to protect women and girls.
The UN Agencies reiterated their united stance: tackling digital violence requires coordinated efforts that are survivor-focused and rights-based, ensuring women and girls can engage online and offline without fear.
