Islamabad:Women foreign envoys gathered here Tuesday to mark the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reaffirming their commitment to promoting women’s safety, rights and equal participation in every sphere of life.
Those in attendance included German Ambassador Ina Lepel, Indian Charge d’Affaires Geetika Srivastava, Nepalese Ambassador Rita Dhital, Ambassador of Sweden Alexandra Berg von Linde, Bulgarian Ambassador Irena Gancheva, Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin, Ambassador of Ireland Mary O’Neill and Rwandan High Commissioner Fatou Harerimana.
They highlighted growing concerns over online abuse, noting that harassment and digital intimidation continue to push women and girls out of virtual spaces. The envoys stressed the need for safe digital environments for women’s meaningful participation and leadership in all aspects of society and said that the digital world should offer opportunity and not fear and abuse.
They pledged support for initiatives aimed at combating gender-based violence in all its forms, both offline and online. Also, the European Union advocated for safe online spaces. In a message, the EU said nearly 40 per cent of women internet users in Pakistan face online abuse, from harassment to blackmail.
"As cyber stalking and deep fakes rise, so do the risks for women," it said. The EU said that on the occasion of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, it had joined the Digital Rights Foundation in spotlighting digital safety as everyone deserved a safe online space.
Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Tim Kane called for an end to violence against women. "As we mark the International Day to End Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism, Australia is proud to stand with partners like ‘DASTAK’, which give women shelter, justice and a path forward," he said in a message.
The Embassy of the Netherlands decried digital violence against women and girls as one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse. "Let’s raise our voices and stand together to end this violence. Share, speak out, and let’s make the digital world a safer place for all," the embassy said in a message.
