SL Kicks Off National Campaign to Combat Digital Violence Against Women & Girls 💻

• The '16 Days of Activism Against GBV' national program was launched by UNFPA, the Ministry of Women & Child Affairs, and supported by the Government of Canada, focusing on the global theme: "UNiTE to End Digital Violence." • Key Findings (2025 Study): The most common online harms reported are creation of fake profiles (36.9%) and sharing obscene texts/videos (36.9%). Unauthorised exposure of personal info (doxxing) and gender trolling were also significant (24.3% each). • Tech Gaps: UNFPA highlighted that current AI tools for digital safety are unable to effectively detect hate content in Sinhala or Tamil, noting a crucial safety gap in Natural Language Processing (NLP). • Govt. Action & Legal Reform: - PM urged victims not to remain silent and guaranteed comprehensive support frameworks are available. - The Minister of Women and Child Affairs detailed plans for urgent review and amendment of the Penal Code & Cyber Laws to adequately criminalise and prosecute all forms of Technology Facilitated GBV (TFGBV). - Existing Penal Code Sec 345 (sexual harassment) allows for up to five years imprisonment, a fine, or both. • New Mechanisms: - Sri Lanka CERT is developing a new E-safety web portal, linked directly to resolving organisations, to allow citizens to report violations. - The UN is supporting the Government to build a central, safe reporting mechanism for both online and offline violence. • Support Hotlines: Women and Children’s Desk (109), National Hotline (1938), SLCERT (101), Mithuru Piyasa (070 261 1111), Women In Need (077 567 655).