Lahore: The United Nations Pakistan, together with UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, UNHCR, and the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), kicked off the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a high-level event focused on the rising challenge of digital violence against women and girls.
Held under the global theme “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” the event titled “Smart Cities for Digital Safety” brought together government leaders, UN representatives, specialists, civil society members, and young voices to explore how technology can serve as a tool for empowerment, dignity, and safety.
Chief Guest Provincial Minister for Law Punjab Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan reaffirmed Punjab’s zero-tolerance policy against violence and highlighted ongoing reforms—ranging from strengthened policing and digital crime mechanisms to digital literacy initiatives in schools and universities—designed to build a safer and more informed digital society.
UN Women Country Representative Jasmshed Kazi, Deputy Country Representative UNFPA Gulnara Kadyrkulova, MD PSCA Ahsan Younis and other dignitaries also attended the event.
Participants from various provincial departments also shared their perspectives. Asia Bashir, Deputy Director (Women Development), Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department Punjab appreciated the multisectoral approach of the event, noting that coordinated institutional efforts were essential for safeguarding women and girls in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. She said the discussions offered valuable insights that would support future community-level awareness and protection initiatives.
Throughout the session, speakers stressed that while technology is often misused for harassment or intimidation, it can also be transformed into a powerful enabler of protection and equality. From smart-city solutions to survivor-centered digital tools, participants echoed a united message:
🧡 When we unite, technology becomes a tool for freedom—not fear.
The event was jointly organized by RCO, UN Women, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNHCR, and PSCA, and attended by representatives from the Punjab Women Parliamentary Caucus, the Virtual Women Police Station, civil society networks, and public and private organizations.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to reimagining a digital world where every woman and girl in Pakistan can learn, lead, and thrive—safely.