Amman, Dec. 2 (Petra) – Minister of Social Development and Chair of the Ministerial Committee for Women’s Empowerment Wafa Bani Mustafa on Tuesday sponsored a panel discussion titled "Safe Space: Digital Violence Between Reality and Aspirations," held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Digital Violence Against Women and Girls, implemented by the ministry in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Bani Mustafa said the session provides an important platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange amid global challenges facing women and girls, driven by the rapid expansion of internet technologies, the widespread use of social media, and fast-paced developments in artificial intelligence that complicate distinguishing between real and digitally generated content.

She noted that violence targeting women, girls, and even children through electronic platforms often begins digitally before turning into other forms of physical violence, blackmail, psychological and social harm, and deprivation of education. She stressed that digital violence affects society as a whole, not only women and girls.

The minister highlighted the importance of community awareness regarding safe and proper use of electronic technologies, account protection, and family-level awareness to prevent blackmail and exposure to violent or harmful content.

She emphasized the need for accessible, safe spaces for reporting incidents and ensuring an effective and comprehensive response to cases involving women and girls to maintain a secure digital environment.

Bani Mustafa affirmed that addressing digital violence is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts, commending the role of the Public Security Directorate and the Cybercrime Unit, as well as partner institutions working with the ministry to protect women from violence and provide necessary interventions.

UNFPA representative Himyar Abdulmoghni said the digital sphere has become integral to daily life as a space for work, education, expression, and global connection. However, he added, this essential space is increasingly distorted by violence, blackmail, and defamation, particularly targeting women and girls.

He stressed that violence against women and girls is no longer confined to physical spaces, as a new form of abuse has emerged and expanded in digital shadows, often appearing as threatening messages, harmful content, or reputation-damaging comments, adding that digital violence is a "silent threat" to community security.

//Petra// NQ