VIENTIANE (Xinhua): The Lao government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls, underscoring ongoing efforts to prevent and address abuse in all its forms, particularly digital violence, which continues to rise amid rapid technological advancement.
While digital technologies have greatly advanced communication, education, and development, they have also introduced new risks, particularly the rise of online violence against women and girls, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said in a message on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on Nov 25.
In his message, Sonexay emphasized the need for united national and global efforts to eliminate violence in all its forms, including new types of abuse emerging from rapid technological change.
He noted that the government has introduced key laws and policies in recent years to address these threats, alongside public campaigns promoting safe online practices and expanding support services for victims.
Sonexay called on all sectors of society to treat digital violence as a shared responsibility, stressing the importance of greater public awareness, stronger law enforcement, improved victim support mechanisms, and joint efforts to develop effective digital governance and ethical standards.
To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, officials across various sectors organized activities such as lectures, conferences, and the distribution of educational materials to increase public awareness of laws and measures protecting women's rights.
The initiatives aimed to raise understanding of all forms of violence, promote shared societal responsibility, and foster a culture that respects and supports women in both families and workplaces. Additionally, cities and provinces conducted public awareness campaigns to underscore the importance of preventing violence against women and children.
As part of efforts to combat violence against women, Laos, in partnership with development partners, has launched the 2025 global campaign of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, under the national theme "Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls."
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications Santisouk Simmalavong highlighted the need for a safe digital environment, saying, "As Laos advances digitally, we must ensure that our technologies empower, not harm, our women and girls. Ending online abuse is a shared responsibility, and today we reaffirm our commitment to stronger protections, awareness, and accountability."
The campaign, which runs from Nov 25 to Dec 10, will feature nationwide activities including school workshops, digital safety awareness events, community dialogues, university debates, and youth-led advocacy initiatives. - Xinhua
