Let’s say together NO to digital violence and YES to equality!
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which also is a start to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that runs until December 10th (Human Rights Day), which has a focus of ending gender-based digital violence this year. We asked from our grantees to share their insights of their own experiences and the work they are doing on this topic. We are going to share these stories during the campaign period also on our social media channels. These stories show that reclaiming digital spaces as safe, dignified, and equal arenas is essential, and through knowledge, solidarity, and advocacy, women can transform vulnerability into strength and lead without fear. KIOS committed to support and amplify this message and invite all of us together to stand up and say: NO to digital gender-based violence and YES to equality!
Across the stories from our grantees, a common theme emerges: digital spaces must be reclaimed as arenas of dignity, safety, and equality. Each story reflects courage in the face of hostility and a belief that knowledge, solidarity, and advocacy can transform vulnerability into strength. This is not just about resisting harm—it is about building a future where every woman can speak, lead, and thrive without fear.
Voices of Resilience: Reclaiming Digital Spaces
Across continents, women are standing firm against the rising tide of online harassment and gender-based digital violence. From Nepal, KIOS Grantee FAITH Executive Director Reena Lama reminds us that advocacy for sex workers’ rights is met with hostility, yet dignity and safety remain non-negotiable: “Sex workers deserve dignity, safety, and equal protection from violence—online and offline—and their rights matter more than any backlash we face.”
Sarita Barmashakha, project manager from another Nepalese human rights organisation and KIOS Grantee FEDO NEPAL echoes this commitment, emphasizing that digital literacy and community networks are vital to transform fear into confidence: “Protecting women’s online safety is essential to safeguarding their freedom of expression, leadership, and public engagement.”
In Kenya, KIOS Grantees representatives from Lead of comms and advocacy from IMLU Kenya Naomi Wambui and Communications Officer from INEND Kenya Melody Njuki lead efforts to equip women human rights defenders and LBQT women with tools to reclaim their digital agency. As Naomi notes: “As WHRDs gain knowledge and confidence, they shift from being vulnerable targets to active defenders strengthening resistance against gendered disinformation and smear campaigns,” while Melody frames this work as a collective mission: “I see our work as a vital step toward reclaiming our digital agency and fostering a true feminist internet.”
From Sri Lanka, Dr. Nimalka Fernando, Executive Director of KIOS Grantee Womens Political Academy (WPA) and Nisanthy, human rights defender (Social Architect) from KIOS Grantee The Social Architects (TSA) remind us that long-term commitment lead to change and that this change happens at the grassroots:
I have encountered online gender-based harassment when expressing views related to women’s rights and governance. I remain motivated because advancing human and women’s rights in Sri Lanka is essential. The persistence of such harassment demonstrates why our advocacy is needed. Every step we take helps create safer spaces for women’s participation in public life.” tells Nimalka.
“While accompanying, supporting, and consoling women and young girls as they navigate their challenges, I remain committed to helping them build their own capacities. I focus on educating and engaging them so they, too, can transform into activists who confidently stand up against online harassment,” tells Nisathy.
Their voices, alongside those of KIOS Grantee YAN Board Members Jiya Rajbhandari and Jeena Yadav, who have turned personal experiences of harassment into advocacy, underscore a powerful truth: reclaiming digital spaces is not just about resisting harm—it is about building a future where every woman can speak, lead, and thrive without fear:
“I think that when we don’t fight against what’s wrong, and keep tolerating it, it encourages the wrongdoers to continue harassing people, especially in online settings, since many think they can get away with it.”, tells Jiya.
“I fight for human and women’s rights to ensure that all spaces, digital and physical, guarantee safety and dignity.”explains Jeena.
This section was a brief insight to the stories we received, the in-depth stories will be shared on our social media channels throughout the campaign period, so stay tuned and amplify these voices of resilience.
Take Action: Time to Reclaim Digital Spaces and End Violence Against Women
As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and join the global 16 Days of Activism, one truth stands clear: violence against women—whether physical, psychological, or digital—is the most widespread human rights violation of our time. Online abuse is not a virtual problem; it is a real-world threat that silences voices, undermines equality, and perpetuates harm beyond the screen.
The UNiTE campaign reminds us that there is #NoExcuse for violence, no excuse for silence, and no excuse for inaction. Ending this crisis requires strong laws, safer platforms, accountability for perpetrators, and sustained investment in prevention and survivor support. It also demands that each of us raise our voices, challenge harmful norms, and stand in solidarity with women everywhere.
Together, let us reclaim digital spaces as arenas of dignity, safety, and equality—and build a future where every woman can speak, lead, and thrive without fear.