Violence against women and girls is being committed in many different forms, including digital means.
According to leaders of a 16-day, digital technologies awareness campaign, the main focus will be on preventing online threats and abuse against women and underage girls.
The campaign calls for “unity to end violence committed through online or social media platforms against all women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals using digital technologies.”
As the number of online users continues to grow, underage girls and women are increasingly facing various forms of violence in the digital space, including financial extortion, deception, and manipulation, according to Mi Hongsar Htaw, Program Director of Mi Woman & Child Rights Organization (MiO).
“It’s the digital age now. People need to know how to protect themselves from violence, what they should be aware of, and how to help each other. Many people experience digital violence but don’t realize it. So, we need to teach communities what digital violence is. The types of violence are also changing every day and becoming more common,” she said.
Violent acts are increasingly being committed by armed groups that hold power and have greater force. Because of this, the campaign will also be carried out in areas controlled by armed groups and in military battalion zones, said Mi Thuta Kyaw, the Acting Chair of the Justice Committee of the Mon State Federal Council.
“We need to remind the resistance groups. Those who take responsibility for security should understand and be careful. They need to build a force that respects women’s rights and people’s rights. Even if they carry weapons, they should not abuse their power or use violence. The conflicts in our country started because of violence, discrimination, and mistreatment. These problems made the situation worse, even more than in other countries. That’s why we need to work harder,” she said.
She added that because the political situation is still unstable, authorities in both resistance and ethnic areas must act under the law and punish anyone who harms people. Justice should be fair and without fear.
The 16-day campaign will be carried out in collaboration with women’s organizations, young women’s groups in Mon areas, and village leaders who are not under the control of the military junta. The activities will take place in areas controlled by ethnic armed groups, Mon–Karen border villages, urban areas, remote villages, and other places where violence against women frequently occurs.
Every year, from November 25th to December 10th, a 16-day campaign to end violence against women is observed worldwide. During this period, awareness-raising activities and various events are held across the globe.
The 16-day campaign is also called the White Ribbon Campaign. By wearing a white ribbon, people show their commitment to oppose violence against women and children.
