Awareness Campaign

UN Women

Delhi

Social & Media Matters’ 16 Days of Activism initiative focused on addressing gender-based violence in digital spaces as part of the global campaign against violence towards women and marginalized communities. The program aimed to raise awareness about the growing threats women and gender minorities face online—ranging from trolling, doxxing, and cyberstalking to deepfake abuse and sextortion. By connecting these digital harms to the broader fight for gender justice, the campaign highlighted how online safety is integral to achieving equality and dignity for all.

Through a series of engaging online sessions, community dialogues, and educational resources, the initiative brought together activists, educators, and digital safety experts to discuss practical ways to create safer digital environments. The conversations emphasized the importance of survivor-centered approaches, stronger reporting mechanisms, and collective advocacy to push for platform accountability and legal reforms. Social & Media Matters also focused on empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves, while urging platforms and policymakers to take greater responsibility for ensuring digital trust and safety.

A key element of the campaign was its effort to amplify voices that are often silenced or marginalized in online spaces. By centering the experiences of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups, 16 Days of Activism worked to foster inclusive, supportive digital communities. The initiative also called attention to the need for intersectional strategies that address how gender-based violence online intersects with caste, class, race, and other forms of systemic inequality.

Overall, the 16 Days of Activism campaign by Social & Media Matters served as both a platform for dialogue and a catalyst for action. It reinforced that online safety is not just a personal responsibility, but a collective effort that requires the participation of tech platforms, governments, civil society, and individuals alike. By linking digital safety to gender justice, the campaign encouraged all stakeholders to work toward creating equitable, respectful, and secure digital spaces for everyone.