STATEMENT DELIVERED BY H.E. AMBASSADOR MOHAMED EDREES THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

  Delivered by H.E. Mohamed Edrees

Head of Mission to the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations

25th November 2025

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The African Union is honored to join today’s commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. We express our deep appreciation to UN Women, the UN system, Member States, and civil society organizations whose tireless efforts continue to uphold women’s rights and dignity.

As this year’s UNiTE Campaign calls for renewed commitment under the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” we are reminded that the current global landscape demands urgent action. Digital platforms have become vital spaces for education, political participation, economic opportunity, and social connection. Yet these same spaces increasingly expose women and girls to harm, providing perpetrators anonymity, impunity, and unchecked reach.

Digital violence is real violence. Women are targeted through cyberstalking, sextortion, doxxing, deepfake attacks, and persistent online harassment. These violations silence voices, derail careers, undermine mental well-being, limit civic engagement, and reinforce the same discriminatory norms that drive physical violence in homes, communities, institutions, and societies.

As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, we must acknowledge that digital violence is not only a social concern but a critical legal, policy, and governance challenge. The African Union has established a solid normative framework to guide our collective response.

The Malabo Convention offers a continental foundation for cybersecurity and data protection, addressing the expanding risks women and girls face online.

The Maputo Protocol codifies the right of every African woman and girl to live free from all forms of violence. Complementing these frameworks, the African Union, working with partners and with strong leadership from the African Women Leaders Network, advanced the adoption of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU CEVAWG). This instrument after its entry into force will contribute to strengthening Member States’ commitments to prevent, respond to, and eradicate violence in all settings, physical and digital.

Together, these instruments form a comprehensive architecture that safeguards the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls across our continent.

Digital spaces must advance gender equality and be safe for all users.

The African Union remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. Online harassment has no place in our societies, and there is no justification for its continued normalization.

Working with Member States and all partners, we must intensify our collective efforts to ensure that the digital world becomes a space of empowerment, not danger.

Every action  therefore matters. We each have a role to play, and the African Union will continue to play its part with resolve.

Thank you.