Press Release

Statement from the United Nations in Myanmar on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

25 November 2025

Yangon - Digital platforms have provided new possibilities for women, girls and LGBTIQ+ individuals in Myanmar, but they have also created new avenues for gendered abuse, including non-consensual image sharing, disinformation and AI-generated deepfakes designed to humiliate, intimidate and silence. These forms of online harm have detrimental impacts in real life, such as coercion, physical violence, economic loss, social exclusion and profound mental health impacts, and they must be recognized as gender-based violence.

As the world marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and begins the 16 Days of Activism, the United Nations in Myanmar aligns with the global theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.” We reaffirm our condemnation of all forms of gender-based violence and our commitment to support all women, girls and LGBTIQ+ individuals who are victims of online violence, as well as all those women-led organizations that continue to provide life-saving support.

Myanmar’s compounded crises continue to heighten risks of violence and strain already limited protection systems. Digital abuse adds another layer of harm, and deep digital inequalities intensify these risks. Today, nearly 10.4 million women, girls and LGBTIQ+ individuals in Myanmar remain in humanitarian need, and nearly half of female-headed households lack stable phone or internet access. Limited connectivity, internet shutdowns, data insecurity and digital literacy across urban, rural and conflict-affected areas, expose women, girls and LGBTIQ+ individuals to scams, harassment, trafficking and exploitation, while restricting access to credible information and support.

Despite these constraints, women, girls and LGBTIQ+ individuals across Myanmar are using digital platforms to challenge abuse, support survivors and dismantle entrenched patriarchal and discriminatory systems. Their leadership and efforts, especially through the voices of victims and survivors, demonstrate the potential of digital spaces to advance inclusion and equality when those spaces are safe. In this regard, women’s organizations are central to Myanmar’s gender-based violence response. Global reductions in gender-equality financing have already weakened essential services, even as needs grow and crises intensify. Sustained, flexible support is urgently required so these organizations can continue delivering life-saving protection and care.

To reiterate the Secretary-General’s call, we underline the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to address all forms of digital violence. Strengthened legal protection, safer digital platforms and community-wide commitment to zero tolerance for online abuse are essential elements of a comprehensive response.

During these 16 Days of Activism, and every day, we stand with Myanmar’s women, girls, LGBTIQ+ individuals and the organizations that support them, in demanding a future free from violence—online, offline or anywhere.