Secretary-General's video message to the United Nations official Commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Violence against women and girls is a global scourge. 

And in our digital age, technology has amplified the abuse.

Online harassment, deepfakes and hate speech proliferate.

Misogynistic content is moving from the margins to the mainstream.

And violence that begins online too often spills over into real life.

That is why protection in digital spaces is the focus of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

I am calling on governments to criminalize digital violence and strengthen support for survivors; 

Technology companies must ensure their platforms are safe and accountable;

And communities must come together in zero tolerance for online hate. 

We cannot allow digital spaces to become yet another place where women and girls are unsafe.

On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, let us unite to end violence – online and off.

Together, we can build a world free of fear for every woman, and every girl.