Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Ministry of Human Rights marked the Global 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, in collaboration with United Nations and its member agencies working in the country.
The event, organized at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), brought together federal and provincial representatives, UN officials, development partners, civil society organizations, media, artists, and digital rights advocates.
Minister for Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, reaffirmed resolve to ending all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly the growing threat of digital violence.
He noted that Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation has expanded opportunities in innovation and public participation, but has also led to new risks such as cyberstalking, impersonation, online harassment, deep fake manipulation, and hate speech.
“Women and girls across all sectors, from universities and workplaces to politics and media, encounter online abuse every day. Many hesitate to participate publicly due to fear, stigma or complex reporting systems,” the Minister said.
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He also highlighted legal reforms introduced to respond to violence against women and girls, such as the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act 2022, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2020, and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018.
He told the participants and UN member agencies that collaboration with technology companies, including Meta, is underway to enhance online safety tools, improve reporting mechanisms, and strengthen safeguards that protect women and children from harmful content.
He further highlighted progress on the National Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women, both of which will establish a comprehensive, survivor-centered and zero-tolerance framework for prevention, protection, and accountability.
16 Days of Activism is an annual worldwide campaign against gender-based violence which runs from November 25-December 10.
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