UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women & Girls: 2025 Action Guide
Ruth Sesay
The goal to eradicate violence against women and girls is unquestionably worthy. Yet, the notion that 16 days of activism could be enough to curb such a deeply rooted issue invites honest reflection. Is 16 days truly necessary? The answer is yes! but only as a catalyst. The campaign is relevant for raising awareness, building solidarity, amplifying voices, and mobilizing political will. However, it is only a beginning, not a solution on its own. Digital violence against women and girls is widespread, evolving, and often devastating. Ending it requires far more than a moment it demands sustained action.
According to research, as unsettling as it may be, violence in digital spaces does not always come from anonymous men or strangers. Sometimes it comes from other women. This forces us to confront difficult questions: What drives women to harm women online? Why does this hostility exist? Research suggests several interconnected reasons:
Cultural enforcement: In some societies, women who speak up or show confidence face criticism. Other women may help enforce this silence because of fear, pressure or the need to fit in.
Competition and limited opportunities: When chances for education, jobs or recognition feel scarce, competition grows. Online spaces, with their anonymity, can make insecurity worse and lead to harmful behaviour.
Internalized misogyny: Women raised in strongly patriarchal cultures may unknowingly repeat harmful attitudes judging other women’s looks or behaviour, tearing down those who stand out, or enforcing narrow ideas of how women “should” act.
According to research, digital violence (also called technology-facilitated gender-based violence) refers to any form of harm, abuse or harassment that happens through digital technologies such as phones, social media, messaging apps, email or online platforms. It includes behaviours like cyberstalking, online threats, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, doxxing (exposing private information), impersonation, hateful messages, and harassment campaigns.
In short: Digital violence is when technology is used to threaten, harm, control, intimidate or violate someone especially women and girls.
The numbers are alarming. According to UN Women, between 16% and 58% of women globally have experienced some form of online abuse. In sub-Saharan Africa, about 28% report facing digital harassment or violence. These figures are likely conservative, as shame, fear and lack of reporting mechanisms keep many silent.
The danger of digital violence is its speed and permanence. A single leaked photo, defamatory tweet or edited video can go viral in minutes, reaching thousands or millions. Its psychological impact is profound anxiety, fear, reputational damage, withdrawal from opportunities, and in extreme situations, physical danger if sensitive data is exposed.
Why the 16 Days Campaign Matters and Why We Must Go Further
The 16 Days of Activism is important because it draws attention and inspires people to speak out against violence. It gives governments, communities and organizations a shared moment to call for change. But the campaign should not be the end of our efforts it should be the starting point for continuous, year-round action.
To truly end digital violence, we must:
Promote digital literacy. Schools, youth groups and communities should teach online safety, consent, privacy and respectful digital behaviour. People should also be encouraged to report abuse and support those affected.
Challenge harmful cultural norms. Online abuse often reflects deeper problems like patriarchy and bias. We must support and uplift women who use their voices, lead, create and challenge stereotypes.
Support survivors. Victims need access to legal help, mental health support, safe reporting systems and community protection. Governments, NGOs and tech companies must work together to provide real solutions and accountability.
From Sixteen Days to 365
The 16 Days of Activism remind us to speak up but real justice demands ongoing commitment. Digital violence doesn’t stop when the campaign ends; it continues and evolves.
If we want real change, we must turn 16 days into 365 days of action through stronger policies, better digital habits, cultural change and everyday responsibility. Only then can we create a world where every woman and girl feels safe, valued and free to thrive both online and offline.
