FEMALE: The Only Guaranteed Block Is the One Guaranteed by Law

FEMALE Association organized an event titled “Together Against All Forms of Verbal, Psychological, and Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” aiming to push for the adoption of Lebanon’s first comprehensive law to protect women and girls from online violence. The event took place at Metropolis Cinema in Mar Mikhael, bringing together members of parliament, ambassadors, journalists, influencers, and human rights advocates, alongside representatives of international organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The program began with a welcoming reception for guests and decision-makers, followed by photo sessions and media interviews, before moving into the hall for the official campaign launch. The event was hosted by journalist Mariam Yaghi, Editorial Coordinator of the platform “Sharika Wa Laken”.

In her opening speech, FEMALE’s Executive Director Hayat Mirshad said, “Every notification on a phone might look like just another message, but for many women and girls, it marks the beginning of a nightmare, a journey of fear and violence. Behind every notification, there’s a story: a girl blackmailed with a photo, a woman trapped by threats or stalking, or an activist silenced by an organized campaign of hate and bullying.”

Mirshad pointed out that Lebanon records over 300 cases of digital violence each month, 80% of which target women and girls, most of them minors between 12 and 20 years old. Yet only 12% of victims report these crimes, held back by fear, shame, and a lack of trust in protection mechanisms. “We want a law that protects, not excuses, and a society that listens and embraces, not blames,” she added.

She revealed that official statistics from 2023 recorded 3,133 complaints of online violence, but only 71 arrests were made. “Digital violence doesn’t stop behind the screen; it starts online but spills into real life. Seventy-eight percent of women who experienced online violence reported suffering from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, and dozens of suicides have been documented in recent years as a result of this abuse.”

Mirshad emphasized that since 2020, FEMALE has fought to redefine digital safety as a human right, leading to the creation of the Draft Law for the Protection of Women and Girls from Digital Violence, “a law written by women, feminist in spirit, and rights-based in purpose.” She concluded, “Our message today is clear: the only guaranteed block is the one guaranteed by law. We want a law that protects, not excuses, and a society that listens and embraces, not blames.”

UNFPA’s Representative in Lebanon, Anandita Philipose, described digital violence as a growing global threat that transcends borders and affects women and girls everywhere. “This violence knows no boundaries—it can begin online and spill into reality,” she said. Philipose shared the story of a 17-year-old Lebanese girl, “Sarah,” who was recently subjected to online stalking and bullying, showing how the digital space can transform from a platform for freedom and expression into one of fear and isolation.

“This type of violence infiltrates homes, schools, and workplaces, forming a dangerous chain of abuse that can escalate to the most extreme forms, including femicide,” she said. Philipose explained that UNFPA is working to empower survivors, strengthen legislation and preventive policies, and promote a culture of digital safety. She highlighted the partnership with FEMALE and MP Dr. Halima Kaakour as an example of effective collaboration between feminist organizations and lawmakers. “We must work together, as decision-makers, journalists, and influencers, to create safe digital spaces and ensure that women and girls can live and work securely, both online and offline. No more silence in the face of gender-based violence. Our future depends on it.”

MP Dr. Halima Kaakour underscored the urgent need for modern legislation that addresses digital challenges, noting that current Lebanese laws do not provide adequate protection from online violence, nor do they include clear definitions or effective accountability mechanisms. “We want a law that delivers justice to women, protects them from all forms of violence, and ensures accountability. The state has a duty to establish a comprehensive framework that criminalizes all forms of digital violence and provides protection for survivors,” she said.

The event concluded with the launch of the campaign “The Only Guaranteed Block Is the One Guaranteed by Law,” which seeks to mobilize public opinion and encourage parliamentary action toward adopting a national law against digital violence targeting women and girls. The event created an interactive space connecting policymakers, media professionals, and civil society around one of the most urgent issues of the digital age in a country where women continue to face growing violations without effective legal protection.

Founded in 2011, FEMALE is a Lebanese feminist organization dedicated to defending women’s and girls’ rights and promoting gender equality through awareness programs, advocacy campaigns, and legislative and media efforts. Since 2020, the association has been leading ongoing initiatives around digital safety through awareness, documentation, and advocacy for laws that protect women from online violence in Lebanon.