The global community has once again begun observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10. This year, UN Women has announced the 2025 theme as “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlighting growing concerns over online harassment, cyberbullying, and emerging forms of digital abuse.
The campaign seeks to draw attention to the rapidly expanding digital threats faced by women and girls, especially as technology becomes more integrated into everyday life. These forms of violence include online stalking, image-based abuse, impersonation, hate speech, and targeted harassment across social platforms.
Human rights organizations report that digital violence has become one of the fastest-growing forms of gender-based violence globally. Women and girls who are vocal online including activists, content creators, journalists, and students are often disproportionately targeted.
In Kenya, reports of cyberbullying, identity theft, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images have increased, prompting calls for stronger laws, increased public education, and improved digital safety mechanisms.
Experts warn that digital violence can have severe psychological, social, and economic impacts, including anxiety, withdrawal from online spaces, job loss, and stigma.
The 2025 campaign is witnessing heightened participation from youth groups and online communities. Young women and men are leading digital awareness drives, online safety workshops, and advocacy campaigns to challenge cyber abuse.
Schools, churches, and community organizations have also begun incorporating digital safety sessions into their programs to help teenagers and young adults navigate online risks responsibly.
UN Women is calling for increased training on online safety, digital rights, and responsible use of technology. Women and girls are encouraged to learn how to identify red flags, secure their accounts, and report harmful behavior.
The campaign emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement of cybercrime laws and collaboration between governments, tech companies, and human rights organizations to ensure meaningful protection.
Media houses, influencers, content creators, and digital platforms are being urged to adopt responsible communication standards and proactively curb online harassment.
The movement encourages male allies to actively challenge harmful behavior, promote digital respect, and support victims who speak out against online abuse.
Journalists and media professionals have been asked to highlight survivor stories, publish educational content on cyber safety, and create platforms where discussions on GBV particularly digital violence can take place in a respectful, informed manner.
UN Women notes that ethical storytelling remains critical in breaking stigma and empowering survivors.
As the 2025 16 Days of Activism continues, UN Women reiterates that ending digital violence is a collective responsibility. Governments, institutions, online platforms, families, and individuals all play a critical role in shaping safe digital spaces.
With technology deeply woven into modern life, the campaign underscores the urgent need to protect women and girls both offline and online and to ensure that digital spaces become tools for empowerment, not harm.