Today, Jamaica joins the world in recognising the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Each year, this observance serves as a reminder that violence against women and girls remains one of the most urgent and widespread challenges of our time. This year’s focus, ending digital violence, highlights a form of abuse that is rapidly expanding and too often overlooked.

Technology has opened new opportunities for connection, learning and empowerment. Yet for many women and girls, it has also created new spaces where harm can occur. The messages meant to uplift can instead become channels for harassment. The platforms designed to connect can become tools for intimidation. The digital world, like the physical one, is not always safe, and we must confront that reality.

Digital violence shows up in many ways: threats sent anonymously, degrading comments that go viral, the sharing of private images without consent, and the use of technology to shame, silence or monitor women. These attacks leave deep emotional and psychological wounds, affecting confidence, safety and participation in public life.

As Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities, I want every woman and girl to know: your safety matters in every space, at home, in the community and online. No one has the right to use technology as a weapon against you. No one should feel afraid to speak, to share ideas or to simply exist in digital spaces.

On this IDEVAW, I am calling for a national commitment to protect women and girls by:

• Raising awareness of what digital violence looks like and how it affects our daughters, sisters, mothers, classmates and colleagues.
• Educating families and communities about responsible digital behaviour and the importance of empathy and respect online.
• Supporting survivors with safe spaces, guidance and the reassurance that they are not alone.
• Encouraging Jamaicans to speak up, report harmful content, and challenge the attitudes that normalise abuse.

Violence, whether physical, emotional, economic or digital, has no place in our society. It weakens our communities, undermines our development and robs too many women and girls of their potential. Ending it requires awareness, compassion and collective will.

As we begin the 16 Days of Activism, let us wear orange with purpose. Let it signal our refusal to accept violence as a normal part of life. Let it represent our shared belief that Jamaica must be a place where every woman and girl can thrive, confidently, safely and freely, both offline and online.

Today and every day, I stand with survivors, advocates and all who continue to push for a Jamaica where dignity, respect and protection are not optional, but guaranteed.