Continuous Activities to Combat Digital Violence Against Women and Girls

HUMAN ACCESS continues to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under the global theme “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” as part of the UNFPA-funded project providing livelihood support services for the most vulnerable women and girls in Yemen.

In Mukalla, Hadramout, and in the presence of Khaled Balfas, Deputy Director of the Technical Education and Vocational Training Office in the Hadramout Coast, and Hikmah Al-Shaibi, Director of the Social Defense Department at the Office of Social Affairs and Labor, a livelihood and vocational training beneficiaries’ bazaar was inaugurated. The event featured various booths showcasing the products and creative outputs of women who received vocational training and livelihood grants.

In Ataq, Shabwah, community-based and legal awareness sessions were held to emphasize the urgent need to end digital violence against women and girls. Facilitators highlighted that online violence has become a rapidly expanding and dangerous phenomenon aiming to silence women’s voices and posing significant risks to their rights and safety—both online and offline.

In Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahrah, a discussion session titled “Promoting Positive Behavior in School Environments and Approaches to Addressing Challenges” targeted female teachers at a public school. A community awareness session was also conducted for teachers and students in a private school, focusing on the dangers of violence in the digital age and the importance of ensuring that digital platforms and AI tools adhere to safety and ethical standards.

In Cairo District, Taiz Governorate, the first beneficiaries’ bazaar was launched in the presence of District Director Ahmed Murshid. The event included multiple booths to promote the products of women trained in vocational skills and livelihood support, helping them enhance their abilities, strengthen their talents, and access marketing opportunities—reflecting the crucial role of economic empowerment in reducing gender-based violence.

In Al-Rawdah, Marib, a radio program was broadcast through a local station to raise awareness about online extortion and the growing need to confront this escalating threat amid rapid technological advancement. Activities also concluded with a life-skills, marketing, and financial literacy training for beneficiaries in sewing and pastry-making, equipping them with the skills needed to enter the labor market and launch their own small businesses.