UN in Iraq Calls for Collective Action to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls

The United Nations in Iraq, in partnership with the Iraqi National Directorate for Iraqi Women (NDIW) and the High Council for Women and Development (HCWD) of the Kurdistan Regional Government, launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls campaign through high-level events held in Baghdad and Erbil. This year’s global theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” places a spotlight on the urgent need to ensure safety in digital spaces as technology continues to shape daily life across Iraq.

In Baghdad, the opening brought together government officials, parliamentarians, civil society, women and young leaders, international partners and the United Nations to draw national attention to the escalating forms of digital violence affecting women and girls. Speakers emphasized how online harassment, image-based abuse, cyberstalking, deepfakes and coordinated smear campaigns create real threats to women’s safety, dignity and participation in public life.

“The Government of Iraq has taken important steps to protect women and girls from intimidation and online abuse. But progress must continue. As technology reshapes our lives, every institution - government, civil society, the private sector, and the UN - has a responsibility to ensure every woman and girl in Iraq can participate safely and confidently, everywhere and on every platform,” said Ghulam M. Isaczai, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.

A parallel launch in Erbil, led by the HCWD, highlighted the growing risks faced by women and girls in the Kurdistan Region as digital access expands. Participants underscored the need to reinforce reporting mechanisms, strengthen legal protection, and promote online safety awareness among families, educators and communities to ensure that digital platforms remain safe and empowering for all women and girls. The High Council for Women and Development, in partnership with UN Women, also launched the Media Ethical Charter, a framework that guides media professionals in ensuring ethical and respectful representation of women. The Charter promotes responsible reporting, safeguards against digital harassment, and supports positive portrayals of women across all media platforms.

Digital violence is rapidly becoming one of the most widespread forms of violence against women. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience violence in their lifetime, and studies show that 16 to 58 per cent face digital abuse, with women making up 90 to 95 per cent of deepfake victims. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, often encountering online harm at an early age and hesitating to disclose it due to fear of blame or restrictions. In an increasingly complex digital environment, improving digital literacy, awareness and supportive environments is essential to keeping women and girls safe in digital spaces.

Addressing digital violence in Iraq requires strengthened reporting pathways, improved law enforcement capacity, effective implementation of relevant cybercrime laws and increased access to reliable data. Ensuring confidential and survivor-centered support services, alongside community awareness efforts, will be essential to building trust and encouraging women and girls to seek help when they experience abuse.

The United Nations in Iraq reaffirms its commitment to supporting national and regional partners in creating safe, inclusive and rights-respecting digital environments. Throughout the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the UN will continue working with governmental institutions, civil society, youth groups and communities to raise awareness, reinforce protective mechanisms and promote collective action to end digital violence against women and girls in Iraq.