Egypt’s National Council for Women (NCW) has launched Egypt’s tenth annual participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running from 25 November to 10 December, under the national slogan “Kony (Be)”. This year’s campaign aligns with the global theme: “ Invest to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” underscoring the growing threat that online abuse poses to women and girls around the world.
In an official statement, Counsellor Amal Ammar, President of the NCW, emphasized that the continuation of the campaign for a decade reflects the unwavering commitment of the Egyptian State—under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi—to confronting all forms of violence against women. She recalled the President’s strong message during the March celebration of Egyptian Women and Ideal Mothers, in which he expressed his absolute rejection of any form of abuse or violation that women may endure, and directed the government to ensure a safe and supportive environment that protects their rights and guarantees their well-being.
Ammar explained that digital violence has rapidly emerged as one of the most serious challenges affecting women today. She noted that this form of abuse extends far beyond the digital sphere, as it includes cyber harassment, extortion, defamation, rumor-spreading, and identity or data theft. These evolving forms of harm, she stated, require a comprehensive national response that combines legal, social, and technological tools. She stressed the importance of raising public awareness and equipping women and families with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.
Throughout this year’s campaign, the NCW is implementing a rich and diverse program of activities aimed at strengthening digital resilience, enhancing women’s safety, and promoting a culture of zero tolerance toward all forms of gender-based violence. The council is delivering a wide range of awareness sessions, dialogues, and capacity-building programs in cooperation with government institutions, civil-society organizations, and international partners.
A key focus of this year’s program is strengthening digital protection for women and girls. The NCW is conducting specialized workshops on online safety and digital self-protection, including initiatives designed specifically for girls in social care institutions. These sessions aim to equip young women with the practical skills required to identify online threats and respond to them safely and effectively.
The campaign also highlights the importance of legal empowerment, with several events dedicated to explaining the legal frameworks that protect women from digital violence. These activities provide practical guidance on reporting mechanisms, legal procedures, and the use of modern technological tools that support victims in seeking protection and justice.
Recognizing the diverse contexts in which digital violence occurs, the NCW is also hosting sector-focused dialogues. These include a high-level discussion on digital violence in the world of sports and a dedicated seminar addressing the specific challenges faced by rural women in navigating digital spaces. Both events aim to broaden understanding, strengthen institutional responses, and ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against online harm.
This year’s campaign further explores the evolving role of technology by hosting a specialized session on the potential of artificial intelligence in combating cyber violence. The discussion brings together experts to examine how emerging technologies can support detection, prevention, and response efforts, while safeguarding privacy and ethical standards.
In addition to awareness and prevention activities, the campaign includes comprehensive psychological support sessions for survivors of violence. These sessions aim to create safe spaces for healing and recovery, while providing women with the tools they need to rebuild confidence and resilience.
Through this extensive series of programs and events, the NCW seeks to strengthen national preparedness to combat digital violence, create safer online environments for women and girls, and foster a society that rejects all forms of gender-based violence. The council affirmed that empowering women—especially those most at risk—with knowledge, legal awareness, and digital skills is essential to ensuring their full and meaningful participation in public life.
