Message from the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Colombia, Miroslav Jenča, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, I reaffirm my commitment and also that of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia to help end all forms of violence against women and girls.
This year, the United Nations wants to draw attention to digital violence against women and girls, a form of abuse that is growing exponentially. In Colombia, according to UN Women, 60 per cent of women between the ages of 18 and 40 have suffered digital harassment.
Digital violence particularly affects women leaders, defenders and peace signatories. It is used to silence their voices, intimidate them, stigmatise them and exclude them from public life, as well as a mechanism for social control, surveillance and coercion.
When women censor themselves to avoid attacks, democracy loses.
Digital violence is real violence. We can prevent it, report it and overcome it.
Ensuring women's safety in the digital space is essential for democracy, freedom of expression and peace.
You can count on our support.
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