QUETTA: The significance of emphasizing women’s experiences in digital innovation has been emphasized by UN Women.
“Digital safety is now essential to women’s independence and rights; it is no longer a secondary concern. As new technologies develop, they must be based on the values of security, equality, privacy, and responsiveness. At an event in the province capital, Jacqui Ketunuti, Deputy Country Representative for UN Women in Pakistan, stated that it is our shared obligation to make sure that women are not only secure online but also empowered to lead and shape the digital future.
The government of Balochistan and United Nations organizations collaborated to organize the event, which had as its theme “Women Service Providers Combatting Cybercrime and Online Harassment: Ending Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Tesfaye Bekele, Head of Office, UNHCR Balochistan, said: “We live in a world more connected than ever before — yet this connectivity has also brought a disturbing rise in digital violence. What begins online often spills over into women’s real life, hurting their well-being, opportunities, and sense of safety. In order to combat gender-based violence in all of its manifestations, both online and offline, and create a society in which every woman and girl may live, develop, and flourish fearlessly, we must unite with renewed dedication.
Speakers demand improved reporting procedures, stricter legislation, and greater digital awareness.
Bakht Muhammad Kakar, the Minister of Health for Balochistan, emphasized the importance of proactive governance and provincial cooperation. The state must ensure women’s safety in order for them to fully engage in public life, whether in the workplace, in politics, or online. The Balochistani government is improving reporting, prevention, and awareness. In order to safeguard women from both established and new kinds of abuse, we are funding community-based programs, digital safety campaigns, and capacity-building projects,” he stated.
A GBV awareness video from UNHCR was shown after Sadia Atta, head of UNFPA’s Balochistan Office, explained the UNiTE campaign’s focus on preventing digital violence.
Ayesha Wadood, head of UN Women Balochistan’s Sub-office, hosted an expert panel discussion titled “Way Forward on Ending Digital GBV in Balochistan,” which was the event’s high point.
Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani, Minister for Education and Women Parliamentarian; Shehla Qureshi, SSP Operations; Haleema, SI-FIA, NCCIA; Sadia Atta, head of Sub-office, UNFPA; Allaudin Khilji, Chair of EVAWG Alliance Balochistan; and the Regional Director of Aurat Foundation, Quetta, were among the prominent figures from law enforcement, government, and legislature who participated in the discussion.
The panel highlighted the critical need for better digital reporting channels, survivor-centered response systems, increased police capacity, legislative modernization, and improved community and youth involvement while sharing provincial statistics, lessons learned, and systemic difficulties.
Rahila Durrani reiterated the government’s commitment to creating safe online environments in her speech as main guest, saying, “The nature of violence has changed — and our institutions must evolve with it.” Violence on the internet is actual violence. In order to make women in the province feel heard, protected, and supported when they seek justice, the Balochistani government is striving for stronger legislative frameworks, better enforcement methods, and increased cooperation.
Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar emphasized how important women are to the advancement of the country. Since women make up half of the population, no country can thrive if half of its citizens are prevented from doing so by fear or insecurity. We must create an atmosphere where women feel strong, safe, and supported if we want them to fully contribute to our social and economic advancement. Pakistan won’t genuinely advance and reach its full potential unless women are able to engage without hesitation or obstacles.
At the event’s symbolic Digital Commitment Wall, attendees promised to support safer online spaces for women and girls throughout the province. The powerful chant “Aurat per tashaddud ka koi jawaz nahi” reverberated throughout the venue as local youth led a vibrant Orange Sky Moment in a drum circle. Biodegradable orange balloons were released, signifying solidarity, hope, and a shared resolve to put an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.
The UN’s global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which is being carried out in cooperation with the UN Resident Coordinator Office, UN Women, UNFPA, UNHCR, Unicef, and partner organizations, is commemorated by a number of national events, including the kickoff in Quetta.
The campaign, which brought together the government, civil society, youth, and communities to promote digital safety, accountability, and gender equality in Pakistan, began in Lahore and will spread to major cities like Peshawar and Islamabad before culminating in a national closing ceremony in Karachi.
SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
