Enforce existing laws to curb digital violence against women

Although Bangladesh has strong laws to combat cybercrime, weak enforcement is allowing offenders to act with increasing impunity, said Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

She said various initiatives were underway, but preventing cyber violence is not the responsibility of any one ministry. It requires coordinated action from all relevant state agencies.

Whenever girls feel unsafe, they should seek assistance from law enforcement and pursue legal action if necessary, she said, adding, "Victims may also inform the ministry, whose quick response team will reach them within 24 hours."

The adviser made the remarks at the launch of the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, jointly organised by the ministry, the Local Consultative Group on Women's Advancement and Gender Equality, and the UN at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.

This year's theme is "UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls".

Before, a girl couldn't go out on the street without thinking of eve teasing; now you cannot enter your cyberspace without being stalked. Technology will keep moving, but our attitude will determine its course.

— Sharmeen S Murshid Women and Children Affairs Adviser

Digital violence knows no borders, with between 16 and 58 percent of women and girls worldwide facing online abuse. Such violence often spills into offline spaces and restricts women's participation in public life.

— Gitanjali Singh UN Women Representative

Highlighting the gravity of the issue, she said, "Before, a girl couldn't go out on the street without thinking of eve teasing; now you cannot enter your cyberspace without being stalked. And the stalking world has become huge… It's not just a boy from a neighbourhood — it's anybody anywhere in the world. Technology will keep moving, but our attitude will determine its course."

The 16 Days of Activism is a reminder and a concerted effort we must make every single day, she added.

Speakers stressed the urgent need for stronger protection against technology-facilitated violence.

World Bank data shows fewer than 40 percent of countries have laws addressing cyber harassment or stalking, leaving 1.8 billion women and girls without legal safeguards.

Online harassment, deepfakes and gendered disinformation are silencing women's voices and undermining rights globally.

At the event, MoWCA Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed emphasised the need for stronger laws, coordinated institutional responses and wider public awareness.

Australian High Commissioner Susan Ryle called for joint efforts to ensure technology becomes a tool for empowerment, not harm.

"It's not just a women's issue, it's an issue for all of us. Let us stand together -- governments, organisations, champions, and women -- to build a world where technology inspires, sport inspires, and partnerships deliver safety and equality for every woman and girl."

Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks said, "Proper implementation of existing laws is needed to ensure access to justice for victims of gender-based violence. It also signals to perpetrators that these crimes will not go unpunished."

The enactment of a Sexual Harassment Prevention and Protection Ordinance is crucial, Weeks also said.

UN Women Representative Gitanjali Singh said digital violence knows no borders, with between 16 and 58 percent of women and girls worldwide facing online abuse. Such violence often spills into offline spaces and restricts women's participation in public life, she added.

"Together, we can create a future where women and girls are safe everywhere in Bangladesh," she said.

In her closing remarks, UNFPA Representative Catherine Breen Kamkong said technology-facilitated GBV must be treated as seriously as other forms of GBV, calling for clearer legal frameworks and survivor-centric approaches.

Rights groups also called for broader policy action.

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad held a press conference yesterday at the Jatiya Press Club to mark the 16 days of activism, with the slogan "Say no to all forms of violence against women and girls, including cyber violence; ensure the advancement of women and girls".

Moderating the event, Mahila Parishad President Dr Fauzia Moslem said violence against women stems from deep-rooted patriarchy and urged the media to help counter regressive practices by ensuring accurate reporting and building public awareness.

Mahila Parishad General Secretary Maleka Banu said misuse of religion and culture is being used to incite violence and warned that digital abuse has effectively doubled the overall rate of violence against women.

Speakers noted that many cases remain unresolved for years and called for ensuring women's meaningful participation in decision-making. They also called for a shift in mindset and urged lawyers and judges to ensure gender-just justice for victims of GBV.

The focus on women's rights continued at a webinar titled "Stronger Registration Laws to Protect Women's Rights," organised by PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Speakers stressed that stronger birth and death registration laws are essential to protect women's access to education, healthcare, social protection, and justice.

Speakers also warned that poor birth registration leaves girls unable to prove their age, increasing vulnerability to child marriage, exploitation and human trafficking. Death registration remains particularly low among women without property, leaving many unrecorded even at the end of life.

Rasheda K Choudhury, executive director of CAMPE, said gender disparities in birth and death registration render women "invisible," calling for amendments to the Birth and Death Registration Act, 2004.

Dr Samina Luthfa, professor of Sociology at Dhaka University, said universal registration is vital to protecting women's dignity in both personal and state spheres.

GHAI Country Lead Muhammad Ruhul Quddus said hospital-based registration could help achieve SDG 16.9, which calls for legal identity for all.

The webinar was chaired by PROGGA Executive Director ABM Zubair and moderated by Coordinator Mashiat Abedin.