“Orange is a colour that calls out for attention, so today as we start our 16 days of activism, we stand here wearing various shades of orange in solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence and we are crying out for attention”.

With these simple but powerful words Ms. Charity Asiimwe, RSCE’s  Focal Point for Women, ignited the spirit of activism, setting the stage for the RSCE’s launch of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign running from 25 November to 10 December emphasizing the urgent need for both  awareness and action.

 This year’s theme, UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls shines a spotlight on the urgent need to combat technology facilitated abuse. The campaign’s launch was marked by a vibrant hybrid ceremony where staff came together both online and in person to declare that violence whether physical or digital must end.

The online session featured guest speaker Ms. Christine Musisi, Founder and Executive Director of Inuka Ongoza Africa (INOZA), who delivered a sobering message: a staggering 95% of Ugandan women and girls have faced physical or sexual violence since the age of fifteen. She revealed how digital platforms have become the new battlegrounds, amplifying violence through cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual image sharing, cyberstalking, sextortion, and trolling- especially on social media. She noted that the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of online abuse is real and devastating.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Paulin Djomo, Director RSCE, outlined the responsibility of the Centre and individuals to demand safer online spaces, model respect, challenge harmful behaviour, and ensure technology is used to protect women and girls.

“The United Nations and RSCE have a responsibility to act, using their voice and influence to demand safer online spaces and stronger protections. Change begins with each of us. Model respect, challenge harmful behaviour, and speak up against abuse in offices, communities, and digital lives. Technology can be a tool of harm or hope; our role is to ensure it protects women and girls.” he said.

He urged staff to help increase reporting by speaking up and supporting survivors, stressing that abuse has no excuse and should be treated with urgency and accountability, both online and offline.

Ms. Katharina Margetts, Director HRSD closed the online session by emphasizing that violence, whether physical or digital has no place in the workplace and our societies, that women and girls deserve safe spaces online and offline requiring us to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence, pledging to transform technology into a tool of protection and empowerment, not harm.

The highlight of the launch came in the form of an in-person ceremony where Ms. Hope Nansubuga, was selected to flip the switch, bathing the RTCC building in orange light, a visual pledge of the Centre’s commitment.  Orange, chosen by the Secretary-General is more than a colour, it is a beacon of solidarity, hope and a future free from violence.

Adding momentum, Ms Nalini Contreras, Deputy Director RSCE, amplified the call to action:

“One in three women globally experiences violence in their lifetime, and digital abuse is amplifying these risks. Online harassment, cyberbullying, image-based abuse, and deepfake exploitation are not virtual inconveniences, they are real violence with devastating psychological and social consequences. This campaign calls for collective action from governments, organizations, and individuals to dismantle these harmful practices and hold perpetrators accountable.” she said.

She reminded staff that the launch was just the beginning and the 16 days ahead would feature online seminars on digital safety and mental health awareness, discussions around gender-based violence, a photo campaign- “I say No to Digital Abuse”, and youth outreach activities.

Globally, the UNiTE campaign emphasizes that technology assisted violence is real violence. It calls for stronger laws, tech accountability, and survivor-centred support systems. RSCE’s participation is a powerful affirmation of its role as a champion for gender equality and digital safety within the UN system.