Govt committed to combating digital violence against women: Minister Kharel
KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has said the government is committed to combating digital violence against women and girls amid rising technological development.
While inaugurating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2025 in Kathmandu today, Minister Kharel called for unified efforts to end all forms of digital violence against women and girls.
Citing this year’s theme for the activism, “End digital violence against all women and girls”, as highly relevant, the minister said the digital space is now part of our daily lives.
Though technology has made learning and everyday activities easier, it remains risky and unsafe for many women and girls, he said, adding, Online harassment, cyber‑stalking, the use of photos without consent, hate speech and trolling instil fear and intimidation.”
The ministry’s priority is not only to build infrastructure and expand services, but to establish a digital ecosystem that is safe, inclusive and capable of empowering each Nepali citizen, the minister said. “Until half of our population feel safe online, our digital progress cannot be considered complete and impartial.”
He also said the National Cyber Security Centre is working to increase public awareness of cybersecurity, and that the recently established AI Centre in the country reflects the government’s commitment to building a digital Nepal.
“The government alone cannot overcome digital violence,” he said, promising robust legal and policy frameworks to address it. He added that the cyber law will be reviewed to ensure justice for survivors and to hold perpetrators accountable.
Government spokesperson, Minister Kharel, said the government plans to collaborate with the education sector to incorporate digital literacy into the curriculum, encourage the private sector and innovators to develop secure platforms, and strengthen cooperation with all three levels of government, the United Nations and civil society to promote digital safety for girls and women.
By RSS
