International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on 25th November marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence — a global call to end violence and discrimination in all its forms. As the world moves increasingly online, our collective responsibility extends to digital spaces. Too often, these spaces become sites of harassment, threats, and abuse for women and girls. It is our shared duty to change that.
Ensuring the safety of women and girls online isn’t just a task for technology companies, it’s a collective effort that involves each of us. Men and boys, in particular, play a vital role by speaking up and speaking out. If you see or read harmful behaviour, whether it’s a sexist comment, an inappropriate joke, or direct abuse, don’t ignore it. Small actions like calling out abuse or reporting harmful content send a powerful message: violence and harassment have no place here.
Behind every statistic on violence against women and girls is a person—a survivor whose dignity and voice must remain at the centre of our response. When someone shares their experience of violence, believe them. Victim blaming only shifts responsibility away from the perpetrator. Real change happens when we move from blame to belief, from silence to solidarity.
Online platforms must make safety a core commitment, not a hidden feature buried in settings. Transparency matters, users deserve to know how abuse is reported, what actions are taken, and how survivors’ voices shape safety policies. When safety tools are accessible and easy to use, online spaces become more inclusive and empowering for everyone.
We don’t need more censorship, we need stronger protections. The goal is not to silence voices, but to build digital environments where women and girls can speak freely, confidently, and without fear. When safety is prioritised over restriction, participation becomes possible for all.
Education also plays a powerful role in creating safer spaces. Talk about what online abuse looks like. Share how to report it. Challenge harmful behaviour when you see it. Change begins when we all say: “That’s not okay.”
Creating online and offline worlds where women and girls are safe is everyone’s responsibility. Silence protects the perpetrator, not the victim. Your voice can make a difference. To all men and boys: use your voice. Not only when abuse targets women you know, but every time you see it. Real allyship means standing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Join us during the 16 Days of Activism to take a stand against online and offline violence. Together, we can build digital spaces rooted in respect, safety, and equality where all women and girls can thrive.
