The United Nations Women has highlighted the critical importance of centering women’s experiences in digital innovation, emphasizing that digital safety is no longer a secondary concern but essential to women’s rights and freedoms. Jacqui Ketunuti, Deputy Country Representative for UN Women in Pakistan, stressed that emerging technologies must be founded on principles of privacy, equality, security, and respect to ensure women are not only protected online but empowered to lead and shape the digital landscape.
The event held in Quetta under the theme “Women Service Providers Combatting Cybercrime and Online Harassment: Ending Digital Violence Against Women and Girls” was jointly organized by the Balochistan government and UN agencies. It addressed the alarming rise of digital violence impacting women’s well-being, opportunities, and sense of security—both online and offline. Speakers called for stronger legislation, improved reporting systems, and increased digital literacy.
Balochistan’s Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar underscored the need for provincial cooperation, proactive governance, and community programs that protect women from both traditional and emerging forms of violence. The event featured a panel discussion with representatives from law enforcement, government, and civil society, highlighting systemic challenges and the urgent need for better digital reporting channels, survivor-focused response systems, police capacity building, legislative reform, and enhanced youth and community engagement.
Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to creating safe digital spaces, with Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar emphasizing that women constitute half the population and that national progress depends on their ability to participate fully without fear or barriers. The event concluded with a symbolic Digital Commitment Wall and community solidarity activities, part of a national campaign aligned with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, aimed at advancing digital safety, accountability, and gender equality across Pakistan.
