Policy Discussion Held on Combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

The global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, held annually from 25 November to 10 December, is being observed this year under the theme “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women – Ending Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence.”

In support of the campaign, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with UNFPA Mongolia, organized a policy discussion focused on addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

The event aimed to strengthen coordinated action, align policies, review existing legal frameworks, identify innovative solutions, and promote partnerships that raise public awareness and help create safer digital and physical environments. Representatives from relevant ministry’s state secretary, media, civil society, and UN agencies participated.

With the rapid expansion of digital technologies, online spaces have increasingly become tools for harming women and girls, giving rise to new forms of violence both online and offline. Adolescents, young people, women activists, journalists, and vulnerable groups are among the most at risk.

Globally, 36 forms of online violence have been identified. In recent years, the misuse of AI-powered deepfake technology to create fake sexualized content used for harassment, extortion, or reputational damage has surged—over 90% of such content targets women, according to international studies.

Participants emphasized that achieving gender equality, reducing divorce and family conflict, and protecting children’s rights are impossible without effectively preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

Organizers concluded that strengthening legal and policy frameworks, improving research and support systems, and enhancing public knowledge and digital literacy will be key to increasing safety in digital spaces.