Renowned human-rights lawyer and women’s rights advocate, Vrinda Grover on Tuesday called for urgent collective action to combat the rising epidemic of technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, stressing that the root of all forms of violence lies in inequality and discrimination entrenched in society.
Speaking at the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women under the global theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” Grover stressed that technology-enabled abuse cannot be viewed in isolation, since its roots lie in deep-seated gender inequalities that continue to shape Indian society.
Appreciating the strong participation of young women and students, she hoped for a future in which India could move beyond the need for a campaign like the “16 Days of Activism.” Instead, she envisioned a society where “16 days of celebration” would mark genuine gender equality and freedom from violence.
Such a transformation, she said, is possible only when structural inequalities are dismantled and discriminatory attitudes that normalize violence are challenged at every level.
Grover asserted that violence against women—whether physical, emotional, psychological or digital—is not a consequence of individual anger or isolated incidents, but the result of a wider culture of inequality and entrenched power imbalance.
“The root cause of violence is inequality,” she emphasized, adding, “If we eliminate inequality and discrimination, violence will automatically reduce.”
Drawing on the lessons of the 2012 Nirbhaya case, she recalled how the Justice Verma Committee laid the groundwork for a more robust legal and institutional response to emerging forms of violence, including stalking, voyeurism, sexual harassment and trafficking—offences that today have strong digital dimensions.
Reflecting on the rapid expansion of digital technologies over the past decade, Grover explained that while they have brought enormous opportunities, they have also opened new avenues for abuse, manipulation and harassment.
With mobile phones, social media platforms and artificial intelligence spreading at unprecedented speed, digital spaces have become a breeding ground for crimes that disproportionately target women and girls, she said and warned that technology has dramatically increased the scale and impact of gender-based violence, making it easier for perpetrators to attack, humiliate, impersonate or exploit women without being physically present.
“Violence has migrated to cyberspace,” she said, underscoring that anonymity and ease of access have emboldened offenders.
Referring to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), she highlighted alarming global indicators. She noted that 73% of women journalists face online violence. A widely cited UNESCO and International Center for Journalists report found that nearly three-fourths of women journalists have faced some form of online violence, ranging from trolling and character assassination to rape threats and coordinated hate campaigns.
Grover noted that young girls often encounter online harassment shockingly early, with research showing first experiences typically occur between the ages of 14 and 16. She highlighted that misinformation and defamation have emerged as some of the most widespread forms of tech-enabled violence, especially where political agendas, misogyny and nationalism intersect.
Stating that globally 300 million children are affected by sexual exploitation and abuse, Grover cited data from National Crime Records Bureau, which mentioned that India has witnessed a steep rise in cyberstalking, blackmail, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, identity theft and pornography-related crimes.
Grover spoke of cases from her decades of legal experience, which illustrated the layered cruelty of digital crimes. One case involved a schoolgirl manipulated into sharing photographs that were subsequently circulated in closed groups and eventually exploited by organised networks outside the state.
She recalled the “Bois Locker Room” incident—a notorious example of how adolescent boys were socialised into misogyny in online spaces. In another distressing example, a husband created deepfake pornographic material of his estranged wife in an attempt to shame and control her.
Women journalists, she said, have faced relentless attacks where their personal details, including phone numbers, were published on pornographic websites to enable waves of threatening calls and messages.
To counter the popular belief that cybercriminals cannot be tracked, Grover assured that digital crimes leave behind robust electronic trails that law-enforcement agencies can follow. Everything—from IP addresses and device signatures to deleted messages and hidden metadata—forms part of a digital footprint that can be traced with proper forensic tools, she said and emphasised the need for better training, infrastructure and sensitivity among cyber police, especially in states where capacity gaps remain wide.
Grover also outlined the comprehensive legal protections already available in India. She said the POCSO Act covers online sexual exploitation involving minors, while the POSH Act provides remedies against workplace harassment. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) includes offences related to stalking, sexual harassment and voyeurism, many of which extend into digital conduct. The Information Technology Act, meanwhile, governs the responsibilities of digital intermediaries such as social media platforms, search engines and messaging services, and mandates their role in preventing and responding to unlawful online content. While laws and mechanisms are in place, she said, the challenge lies in ensuring awareness, swift response and the willingness of institutions to act.
Violence against women a ‘deep wound in society’: DC Dimapur
DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang launching the UNiTE Campaign at Dimapur Town Hall
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang called for collective responsibility and sustained action to end all forms of abuse against women and girls.
Thanking the Nagaland State Commission for Women for organising the programme, Dr Chang said Dimapur, often referred to as a “Mini Nagaland,” represents a rich tapestry of tribes living together in harmony. He stressed that if those in attendance were able to grasp and carry forward the core message of the campaign, its impact would naturally spread to other districts as well.
He reminded the gathering that November 25 is not merely a date but “a reminder of a global crisis, a call to conscience, and a commitment to action.” Describing violence against women as not only a violation of human rights but “a deep wound in the soul of a society,” he noted that such violence occurs in homes, workplaces, public spaces, and increasingly in online environments.
“For many women, the fear of violence shapes their daily choices—from where they walk, to how they dress, to what they say,” he said, stressing that every woman deserves to live with dignity, freedom, and respect. He paid tribute to survivors who have courageously spoken out, and remembered those who continue to suffer in silence or have lost their lives to violence.
Dr. Chang also acknowledged progress in legal reform, rising awareness, and increasing community action, but cautioned that the struggle is far from over. With global statistics indicating that one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, he underscored that each number represents a real person — “a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, someone with dreams, hopes, and a right to safety.”
The DC emphasized that ending violence against women is not a responsibility belonging to women alone but a shared duty involving men, women, youth, institutions, governments, and communities. “We must challenge discrimination and harmful attitudes,” he said, adding that strength lies in respect, not domination.
Urging society to foster safe homes, safe workplaces, and safe public spaces, he called for encouraging survivors to speak up and for building systems that listen, protect, and support them. “When a survivor gathers the courage to speak, the least we can do is believe her and stand beside her,” he said.
Dr Chang highlighted the transformative power of education, awareness campaigns, counselling, community dialogues, and school-based programmes in reshaping attitudes. He also stressed the critical importance of women’s empowerment: “When women are educated, economically independent, and confident, they have the strength to walk away from abuse and rebuild a life of dignity.”
Dr Chang reaffirmed that a society can progress only when its women are safe, valued, and empowered. “Violence against women is not a women’s issue alone. It is a human issue, a moral issue, and a societal issue,” he said. “Together, we have the power to end it. Let us stand united, raise our voices, and build a future where every woman lives free from fear and full of hope.”
On the occasion, he also launched the UNiTE Campaign.
Need to combat rising digital violence: Nginyeih Konyak
In her inaugural address, Chairman of Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), W Nginyeih Konyak highlighted the urgency of combating both traditional and emerging forms of violence, especially digital abuse targeting women and girls.
Emphasizing that the gathering reflected a diverse representation, she urged the audience to reflect on the fundamental question: “What is Gender-Based Violence?”
She explained the significance of the annual international campaign that runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, and said the 16 Days of Activism is the world’s longest-running civil society initiative aimed at highlighting that violence against women remains the most pervasive breach of human rights globally. Initiated at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, it has since brought together individuals, organizations, and global institutions, including the United Nations, to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
She informed that this year’s global theme—“UNITE! to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”—focuses on one of the fastest-growing threats: online harassment and digital forms of violence. As the world marks the 30th anniversary of the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the UNITE 2025 campaign underscores that digital safety is now central to achieving gender equality.
Detailing the forms of digital abuse, the Chairperson pointed out that digital tools are increasingly being weaponized to stalk, harass, threaten, and degrade women and young girls. Image-based abuse, non-consensual sharing of intimate photos or “revenge porn,” cyberbullying, trolling, online sexual harassment, and the alarming rise of AI-generated deepfakes—including manipulated sexually explicit images and videos—were highlighted as serious violations that often spill over into real-life consequences. Such abuse, she warned, can lead to coercion, physical harm, and even femicide, with lasting long-term impacts on survivors.
She noted that today’s digital violence disproportionately targets women and young girls across all sections of society. The effects are even more severe for women facing intersecting layers of discrimination related to race, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Calling for urgent collective effort, the Chairperson emphasized that this year’s campaign seeks to mobilize governments, civil society organizations, private institutions, communities, and individuals to confront the escalating problem of digital violence. She said the need to “come together, stand together, raise our voices, and participate in local advocacy actions” is central to the 16 Days campaign.
She encouraged participation in initiatives pushing for stronger laws, better enforcement, and increased resources to prevent violence and support survivors. Stressing that cybercrime affects everyone—not only women or children but also men—she urged the audience to carry forward the message beyond the programme and the campaign period. “Even after you leave, please inform your friends and neighbours,” she said.
The Chairperson urged everyone to remember the campaign’s central slogan: “No Excuse for Online Abuse.” She reminded the audience that awareness and vigilance are key to ensuring that they do not become victims of cybercrime. “Please remember this,” she said, “and remain aware.”
The programme also marked the launch of a poster campaign on auto-rickshaws across Dimapur town, which was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner and the Women’s Commission. These posters will display helpline numbers that victims of cyber violence can call for assistance. Informative leaflets and brochures, described as toolkits prepared by NSCW, were also distributed to help the public access support services for cybercrime and other forms of violence against women and children.
The programme was organized by Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) in collaboration with District Administration Dimapur and District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Mission Shakti Dimapur.
