In the modern era, the internet was once heralded as the ultimate equalizer—a borderless frontier where voices previously sidelined by traditional power structures could finally be heard. Yet, for millions of women and girls, this digital utopia has transformed into a predatory landscape. Today, the scale of technology-facilitated violence has reached a breaking point, with more than 50 per cent of women in certain regions of the world reporting that they have been targeted by online abuse. This is no longer a peripheral issue or a mere "side effect" of social media; it is a systemic human rights crisis that threatens to roll back decades of progress in gender equality.
The statistics are not just numbers on a page; they are a chilling map of a global epidemic. In the European Union, a region often praised for its robust legal frameworks, one in ten women has experienced cyber-harassment since the age of 15. The situation is even more dire in the Arab States, where a staggering 60 per cent of female internet users report being exposed to online violence within the last year alone. Similarly, across the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, more than half of the women active in digital spaces have faced some form of technology-facilitated violence during their lifetimes. These figures represent a pervasive atmosphere of fear that transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic status.
This violence does not discriminate based on a woman’s profession or public standing. From the teenager navigating her first social media account to the seasoned politician, the professional athlete, the investigative journalist, or the high-profile entertainer, the threat is constant and exhausting. Even those standing on the world’s most prestigious podiums are not immune; many global leaders and advocates carry their own personal scars from digital warfare. Whether in the public eye or the private sphere, the message sent to women is the same: your presence here is conditional, and your safety is not guaranteed.
The consequences of this digital onslaught are profound and multifaceted. Behind every percentage point is a woman whose voice has been silenced, a girl who has been discouraged from pursuing her dreams, and a society that is fundamentally diminished by their absence. When women are driven out of digital spaces by harassment, doxxing, or non-consensual image sharing, the world is denied their leadership, their innovation, and their unique contributions. This "digital chilling effect" ensures that the halls of power—now increasingly located in the digital realm—remain dominated by those who do not face such vitriol.
Fortunately, the tide is beginning to turn, thanks largely to the tireless efforts of feminist movements and digital rights defenders. These activists have spent years sounding the alarm, building survivor-centric networks, and advocating for a radical overhaul of how we perceive digital safety. Their advocacy is yielding tangible results: currently, two-thirds of countries worldwide have begun reporting targeted actions specifically designed to combat digital violence. However, while the momentum is growing, the response remains fragmented and underfunded.
To bridge this gap, UN Women has launched a comprehensive global programme on digital violence, with significant support from Spain. This initiative is designed to transform raw data into decisive action and convert advocacy into enforceable policy. By supporting frontline services, prevention efforts, and the development of new legal frameworks, the programme ensures that women’s rights organizations remain at the heart of the solution. These organizations are operating against a backdrop of increasing complexity, where emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are being weaponized to create even more sophisticated forms of abuse, such as deepfakes and automated harassment.
One of the cornerstones of this global effort is the ACT to End Violence against Women Programme, bolstered by the European Union. This initiative provides direct funding to 60 women’s rights organizations across the globe, empowering those who understand the local nuances of abuse to lead the charge. Furthermore, the ACT AI School is currently equipping more than 150 civil society organizations with the digital literacy, resilience, and AI competencies necessary to navigate the modern technological landscape. Through the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and the Spotlight Initiative, a coordinated, system-wide approach is being deployed to break the cycle of violence, recognizing that the "online" and "offline" worlds are now inextricably linked.
Despite these advancements, the challenges ahead remain formidable. Survivors of digital violence frequently encounter a wall of disbelief when they report crimes. Law enforcement agencies and justice systems often lack the technical expertise or the legal mandate to pursue digital abusers, leading to a culture of near-total impunity. Furthermore, the implementation of protective measures often lags years behind the rapid evolution of technology. Perhaps most frustratingly, women’s organizations are consistently denied the resources they need to thrive, even as enormously wealthy tech conglomerates operate with minimal oversight, prioritizing engagement metrics over the safety of their users.
To rise to these challenges, a three-pronged strategy is essential. First, the global community must officially recognize digital violence as "real" violence. It must be named, measured, and unequivocally rejected by society at large. This requires a cultural shift that starts with education. We must work with young people—men, women, boys, and girls—to dismantle harmful social norms and reject toxic patterns of abuse. This includes a critical examination of masculinity and the way it is often performed in digital spaces through the subjugation of others.
Second, there must be a revolution in accountability. Justice systems must be modernized to keep pace with technological shifts, ensuring that digital crimes carry real-world consequences. Simultaneously, technology companies must be held responsible for the safety of the environments they create. For too long, the "move fast and break things" ethos of Silicon Valley has left women’s safety as an afterthought. This must change; safety by design should be a mandatory standard, not an optional feature.
Third, the world must finally commit to investing in prevention and response at scale. The economic and social cost of violence against women is astronomical, impacting everything from healthcare systems to national productivity. In contrast, the cost of prevention is far lower, yet it remains chronically underfunded. Investing in women’s organizations is not just an act of charity; it is a strategic necessity for a stable and equitable global future.
The upcoming 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) represents a pivotal moment in this journey. With "access to justice" as its priority theme, the commission will specifically address the need for justice for women, girls, and young people in the digital space. This gathering provides a historic opportunity for Member States to strengthen the rule of law and secure global commitments to comprehensive legislation. It is a chance to move beyond rhetoric and establish concrete accountability measures for platforms, ensuring that technology serves as an enabler of empowerment rather than a tool for oppression.
Digital violence is not an inevitable byproduct of the 21st century, nor is it an inescapable price we must pay for technological progress. On the contrary, it is a perversion of progress—an abuse of human ingenuity that turns tools of connection into weapons of intimidation. We should all be outraged that the platforms meant to unite us are being used to silence half of the population.
Our refusal to accept this status quo is the primary driver of change. The solutions are already in our hands; what is required now is the political will and the financial backing to implement them. Every space, whether physical or digital, must be a sanctuary of safety, dignity, and equality. The goal is clear: a world where every woman and girl can navigate the digital frontier without fear, knowing that their rights are protected and their voices are valued. This is the future we must work toward—everywhere and always.
