It is encouraging to see continued efforts from international human rights organizations to not only counter but also educate people on the pervasive dangers of gender-based violence that exist across the globe.
On International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this year rightfully also takes into account the growing threat of digital violence against women and girls and the necessary steps needed to combat it.
Data shows that one in three women are victims of gender-based violence, and now with the advancement of technology, digital violence is becoming an increasingly bigger threat: Used to stalk, harass, threaten, and abuse women and girls, and stripping them of their right to a safe space in the virtual world as well.
However, while campaigns like these do their part in spreading awareness on violence against women — a global concern that is often trivialized or brushed under the rug in larger society — we must not forget that we have a crucial role to play in this too.
Studies have shown that a large proportion of the women and girls in our country are subject to some form of gender-based violence, and it is a matter that will not resolve itself unless it is treated by authorities and the general people as what it is: An abhorrent criminal practice that demands strict punishment.
We need stricter laws that protect potential victims from such crimes, whether in real life or online, and more thorough online regulations that can quickly identify and apprehend the criminals hiding behind their screens.
It must be made known that violence against women is not a matter that is, or can be, taken lightly, and that can only be achieved through the combined efforts of the international organizations, local authorities, and the general public.
We have to do our due diligence in making the world a safer place for women.
