Cyber-violence Against Women
Digital spaces have transformed communication, yet for many women, they have also become platforms for abuse. From online harassment to the non-consensual sharing of images, cyberviolence against women is a pervasive issue. While both women and men can be victims of cyber-violence, evidence shows that women and girls are highly exposed to it. Not only are they more likely to be targeted by cyber-violence, they can also suffer from serious consequences, resulting in physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm and suffering. Women and girls who face this type of violence often end up withdrawing from the digital sphere, silencing and isolating themselves and eventually losing opportunities to build their education, professional career and support networks. These actions cause severe emotional and psychological harm and hinder women's participation in public life and digital platforms.

Why Now? The 16 Days of Activism - the 25th Anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
This campaign is a part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, taking place from  November 25th (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10th (Human Rights Day).

In 2024, on the 25th of November, we mark the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s designation of November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, in memory of the Mirabal sisters, who were assassinated on this day in 1960.

The 10th of December, is the day when, in 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that ‘All human beings are created equal in dignity and rights.’  The Declaration became the basis for the modern human rights movement, whose principles also apply to our modern, digitalised world.

In this context, EUPM Moldova launched a campaign promoting a series of tips to improve cybersecurity that can help lower the risk of exposure to cyberviolence for all, particularly for women and girls.

End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber security factor: people. Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization. Because cybersecurity is a responsibility for each of us.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of practical tips to protect yourself in the digital realm:

1. Strengthen Your Privacy Settings
2. Use strong passwords
3. Double your security by enabling 2FA!
4. Be cautious sharing personal info
5. Know How to Report Abuse
6. Support Others in Digital Spaces
7. Secure Your Devices

More information about the 16-days-of-activism global campaign can be found at the EEAS Global hub for victims of violence: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/global-hub-victims-violence_en.

Learn more about cyberviolence and violence in the digital space:

• Study by the EU Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) on combating cyber violence against women and girls: https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/publications/combating-cyber-violence-against-women-and-girls
• Council of Europe page on cyberviolence: https://www.coe.int/en/web/cyberviolence/types-of-cyberviolence
• Study by the Council of Europe on digital violence against women in Moldova: https://www.coe.int/en/web/chisinau/-/council-of-europe-publishes-study-on-digital-violence-against-women-in-the-republic-of-moldova
• More information on how to protect yourself from Cyberstalking https://www.takebackthetech.net/know-more/cyberstalking

Statement by President von der Leyen on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, via video message.

Commission and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell call for increased efforts to protect women and girls from violence.

Message by EEAS Secretary General Stefano Sannino on the International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Human Rights Day: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union.