SS Report
Dhaka, 25 November 2025:
Bangladesh inaugurated the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a national dialogue calling for united action to end digital violence against women and girls. The event, held at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), the Local Consultative Group on Women’s Advancement and Gender Equality, and the United Nations.
The dialogue brought together senior government officials, UN agencies, diplomats, civil society leaders, youth advocates and technology stakeholders to address the rapidly growing threat of technology-facilitated violence. Chief Guest Ms. Sharmeen S. Murshid, Adviser to MoWCA, stressed that online spaces have become a new frontier of harassment, urging collective action to protect women and girls.
MoWCA Senior Secretary Ms. Mamtaz Ahmed emphasized stronger laws and institutional coordination, while development partners warned that digital violence is a global crisis. With fewer than 40% of countries offering legal protection against cyber harassment, an estimated 1.8 billion women and girls remain vulnerable worldwide.
A high-level panel discussion highlighted critical gaps in Bangladesh, including weak enforcement, limited digital literacy, and the absence of a coordinated national response system. Panelists called for integrated prevention, protection and accountability measures.
In closing, UNFPA Representative Ms. Catherine Breen Kamkong underscored the need for survivor-centred support and stronger legal frameworks. Speakers reaffirmed that ending digital violence is essential to ensuring women’s safety, equality and participation in a digital society.
