The United Nations in Nepal has launched the UNiTE 2025 Campaign, marking the start of this year’s 16 Days of Activism to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. The event was held on Tuesday at the UN House in Pulchowk, bringing together representatives from civil society, the tech sector, and advocacy groups to highlight the growing threat of online abuse.
The UN emphasised the urgency of digital safety for gender equality, citing escalating digital violence as a form of gender-based harm, on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The event commenced with opening remarks from UN Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy and Hon. Jagdish Kharel of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
A digital mural representing the commitment to online safety for women and girls was unveiled. Attendees also viewed a short film about the mural’s creation and participated in a watch party featuring videos promoting awareness of digital violence.
A discussion between social media influencers and digital rights advocates highlighted the increasing prevalence of harassment, threats, and manipulation targeting women and girls in online spaces, which were initially envisioned as empowering platforms. Speakers stressed that tackling digital abuse is essential for ensuring participation, expression, and safety in the digital sphere.
The 16 Days of Activism will run from 25 November to 10 December, urging communities to take action under the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” With one in three women facing violence in their lifetimes, the campaign stresses that online abuse is part of a broader human rights emergency that demands urgent attention.
The UN is calling on the public to join the movement, amplify awareness, and push for safer digital spaces where women and girls can learn, create, and thrive without fear.
