KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 25

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, has said the government is committed to combating digital violence against women and girls-a growing challenge amid rapid technological advancement.

Inaugurating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025 here today, the Minister called for unified efforts to end all forms of digital violence targeting women and girls.

Noting that this year's campaign theme, 'End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,' is highly relevant, he emphasized that the digital sphere has become inseparable from daily life.

Although technology has made learning and everyday tasks more convenient, it remains risky and unsafe for many women and girls, he said. 'Online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual use of photographs, hate speech, and trolling all create fear and intimidation,' he added.

The Minister stated that the Ministry's priority is not only to build infrastructure and expand services but also to establish a digital ecosystem that is safe, inclusive, and capable of empowering every Nepali citizen. 'Until half of our population feels safe online, our digital progress cannot be considered complete or equitable,' he remarked.

He further shared that the National Cyber Security Center is working to raise public awareness on cybersecurity issues, while the recently established AI Centre reflects the government's commitment to building a digital Nepal.

'The government alone cannot eliminate digital violence,' he said, pledging robust legal and policy frameworks to confront the issue. He added that cyber laws will be reviewed to ensure justice for survivors and to hold perpetrators accountable.

As government spokesperson, Minister Kharel also highlighted plans to collaborate with the education sector to integrate digital literacy into school curricula, encourage private-sector innovation to develop secure platforms, and strengthen cooperation among all three tiers of government, the United Nations, and civil society to promote digital safety for women and girls.