16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” event was organized by Rural Women Upliftment Society (RWUS) in collaboration with the Women Development Cell of Rayburn College on 27th November 2025 at 11:30 am in Rayburn College’s auditorium. The program centered on the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.” The event aimed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and galvanize action against the growing issue of digital violence targeting women and girls.

Ms. Zoremsiem, Assistant Project Coordinator of RWUS, took over as the host and set the context of the event. She introduced the distinguished panelists and outlined the objectives of the session.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Miss L. Lhingzalam Haokip, Convenor of the Women Development Cell, Rayburn College. She highlighted the importance of collective efforts in combating gender-based violence, especially in the digital sphere, and thanked participants for their presence.

Key Sessions and Speakers

1. Context Setting: Ms. Mary Beth Sanate, Chief Functionary of RWUS, delivered an insightful talk framing the urgency of addressing digital violence. She presented statistics on the rise of online harassment and discussed its psychological, social, and legal impacts on women and girls.

2. Session on Violence against Women (VAW) – Digital Perspective: The spotlight then shifted to Ms. Elin Biete, Advocate from E&M Legal Associates. Her session delved into:

• Definitions and forms of digital violence (e.g., cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online stalking)
• Legal frameworks available to tackle such offenses.
• Practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves online and report abuses.

Ms. Biete emphasized the role of bystanders and the importance of digital literacy in curbing these crimes.

The program included a Q&A segment where attendees engaged with the speakers, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Such interactions are vital for demystifying challenges and brainstorming community-driven solutions.

The event concluded with Ms. Deborah Infimate, Project Coordinator of RWUS, delivering a vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude to the participants, organizers, and partners, reiterating the commitment of RWUS and Rayburn College towards a safer digital environment. She also encouraged attendees to actively participate in future initiatives aimed at empowering women and combating violence.

The event successfully highlighted the pressing issue of digital violence against women and girls. Key takeaways included:

• The necessity of awareness and education regarding online safety.
• Strengthening community ties to support victims of digital harassment.
• Leveraging legal and institutional mechanisms to address grievances effectively.

Organized under the globally recognized “16 Days of Activism” campaign, this event served as a crucial platform for dialogue and action. By uniting voices from academia, legal experts, and activists, the RWUS and Rayburn College’s Women Development Cell reinforced their dedication to ending gender-based violence in all forms. The initiative is expected to inspire further campaigns and collaborative efforts toward creating a safer digital world for women and girls.