By Aaron Humes: As the world commemorates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, is sounding the alarm on the growing threat of digital abuse against women and girls. The campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness about the devastating impact of violence against women and girls, including digital violence.
According to UN Women, 1.8 billion women and girls lack legal protection from technology-facilitated abuse, with less than 40 percent of countries having relevant laws. The rapid escalation of AI-driven abuse has made it faster, more targeted, and harder to detect, with deepfake pornography disproportionately affecting women. The “manosphere,” a network of online communities promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny, is also contributing to the growing threat to gender equality.
Dr. Barnett emphasized the need for multifaceted efforts to counteract toxic online environments, including research, policy advocacy, support for survivors, public education about gender equality and healthy relationships, youth-focused programs, digital literacy, and cultural change. The CARICOM Secretariat remains committed to supporting Member States in developing and implementing policies to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.
The Caribbean Community joins the global community in recognizing the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, during which four important days will be observed: the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, Human Rights Defenders’ Day on November 29, World AIDS Day on December 1, and Human Rights Day on December 10. The eradication of violence against women is not only a moral and vital human rights imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and prosperity.
Today, we honor the courage of survivors, amplify their voices, and commit to remain united in the pursuit of justice and equality. We are individually and collectively responsible for creating safe, inclusive, and equitable societies, where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.
The post CARICOM Secretary-General calls for an end to digital abuse against women and girls appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: As the world commemorates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, is sounding the alarm on the growing threat of digital abuse against women and girls. The campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness about the devastating
The post CARICOM Secretary-General calls for an end to digital abuse against women and girls appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
