Gender based violence is any harmful impact perpetrated against a person’s will, rooted in socially ascribed gender differences. It transcends physical blows, it’s the psychological scars from verbal abuse, economic strangulation of denied resources, the sexual coercion that erodes the autonomy, and even harmful practices like child marriage or honour killing that masquerade as “tradition”. For Pakistani women, GBV isn’t just violence. It’s a barrier to education, work, and freedom, leaving generations of girls whispering, “Will it ever end for me?”
November 25 isn’t just another date. It’s a declaration of resistance against silence. This year, we are united for the theme “Unite to end Digital violence Against All women and Girls”, an idea that hits home for so many women and girls in Pakistan, where smartphones are both a lifeline and a weapon. Though the government has stepped up with commitments to safer public spaces, shelter homes offering free legal aid, and the National Action Plan on Human Rights yet the implementation lags, leaving so many women to wonder if the promises translate to protection.
In Pakistan, the numbers are devastatingly alarming. Digital violence, the theme of this year’s activism, is exploding. With 143 million internet users in 2024, the Digital Rights Foundation logged 3,171 complaints of tech-facilitated GBV, half from women enduring cyber-stalking, deepfakes, and doxxing. The Federal Investigation Agency verified over 82,000 complaints in 2023, but convictions? Under 4%. For Pakistani women, this means logging on feels like walking a tightrope—empowerment laced with peril, where a single post can unleash a storm of hate.
IRP STANDING STRONG AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE!
We at IRP recognize GBV as a national issue and try to incorporate GBV related interventions in all projects to counter GBV. To combat GBV, one of the significant step was the launch of BOLO helpline in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Recognizing the substantial economic and social costs of violence against women in Pakistan, Islamic Relief has prioritized addressing this critical issue. The BOLO Helpline is a milestone effort in preventing GBV, focusing on education, empowerment, and attitude change.
All you have to do is dial 1097 and the dedicated BOLO team will take care of the rest.
Islamic Relief Pakistan, in partnership with UNFPA, is strengthening GBV prevention and response systems across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by establishing and operating Women & Girls Friendly Spaces, taking full operational responsibility for provincial GBV helplines, and providing psychosocial support, case management, and referral services to survivors. Through extensive capacity-building of (Women & Girls Friendly Spaces) WGFS staff, PDMA’s Gender & Child Cell, and helpline operators, IRP is enhancing the quality of survivor-centered services while simultaneously improving inter-agency coordination with WDD, SWD, PDMA, and police authorities. Community outreach sessions in universities and local communities are raising awareness on GBV risks, safe reporting, SRH, and harmful practices, while strengthened referral pathways ensure survivors receive timely, confidential, and comprehensive support. This partnership is creating a safer, more accessible protection environment for women and girls across both provinces.
Let’s Break The Silence!
As the orange ribbon flutters across Pakistan, a hope flickers in small victories, as we take baby steps in the form of women-oriented laws and initiatives, community dialogues and safe spaces.
As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, 2025, it’s an alarming reminder that half of humanity cannot thrive while living in terror. This day ignites the 16 days of activism against GBV, urging us to confront the injustices, not as a distant statistic but as a cry from our sisters, daughters, and mothers.
To the women, your pain is valid and your strength unbreakable. Ending GBV isn’t charity, it’s our long-overdue justice. On November 25, let’s pledge, No more shadows. We are here to listen, share your stories with us, and we are here to amplify your voices.