Digital violence against women and girls is escalating, with growing evidence linking online abuse, cyberstalking, and image-based abuse to real-world harm. As technology evolves faster than prevention and justice systems, survivors are left exposed to risk and inadequate protection. This blog explores the evidence behind technology-facilitated gender-based violence and outlines what must change to ensure accountability, safety, and justice.
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Conflict-related sexual violence is one of the most horrific human rights violations, affecting women, men, girls, and boys in conflict zones at alarming rates.
Over the past decade, the UN has verified more than 51,000 cases, with a staggering 50% increase in 2023 alone. Women and girls account for 95% of victims, and nearly a third of cases involve children. Recent surges in places like Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo reveal the growing scale of this crisis. Tragically, these numbers only scratch the surface, as many cases go unreported, leaving survivors without justice or support. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, survivors are left vulnerable to further harm, making it critical to address this issue and restore their dignity.
Technology is becoming a powerful ally in this fight, offering innovative solutions to educate, support, and prevent sexual violence in conflict zones. Tools like social media, big data, and virtual reality are helping tackle one of the most urgent human rights challenges of our time. While there’s still much to do, technology is opening new doors for action and hope.
When humanitarian crises erupt, whether due to conflict, natural disasters, or economic collapse, gender-based violence (GBV) often emerges as a hidden yet pervasive crisis in its own right. The breakdown of societal structures, the chaos of mass displacement, and the erosion of community cohesion create an environment where women and girls are disproportionately affected. Amid these upheavals, countless stories of unimaginable violence against them remain unheard, silenced by fear, stigma, and insecurity. The vulnerability of women and girls is magnified in such settings, with many facing heightened risks of physical, sexual, and psychological harm.
Addressing GBV during emergencies requires urgent, coordinated action. International organisations, local communities, and governments must work together to develop strategies that protect the rights of survivors and prevent future violence. Comprehensive support systems, including safe shelters, healthcare services, and trauma counselling, are vital to meet the immediate needs of survivors. Simultaneously, awareness campaigns can challenge harmful norms and empower women and girls to seek help. Strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring their enforcement is equally important to hold perpetrators accountable and build a culture of zero tolerance for GBV.
This article explores five strategies to address GBV during crises, shedding light on how we can amplify the voices of survivors, safeguard their rights, and foster resilience in the face of adversity.
Safe Speaks 