By Sharmin Islam, Gender Analyst, UNDP Bangladesh and Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications, UNDP Bangladesh 

Violence against women isn’t limited to the street corner or the workplace; it follows them online, into homes, comment sections, inboxes, and digital platforms meant for expression and connection. Every 10 minutes, one woman is killed by an intimate partner or a family member, underscoring that the home, often perceived as a place of safety, can also be a site of extreme violence. Globally, studies show that between 16% and 58% of women and girls report experiencing some form of online violence or harassment, reflecting how widespread digital abuse has become across regions and platforms. In Bangladesh, recent research found that about 63.5% of women surveyed reported facing online harassment and violence, highlighting that nearly two in three women encounter harmful behaviour in digital spaces. As technology reshapes lives, UNDP’s commitment to zero violence against women and girls, both online and offline, has never been more urgent.

Against this backdrop, during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025, UNDP Bangladesh launched an innovative and powerful campaign- “16 Beats of Bravery.”

Sixteen female musicians from across Bangladesh came together to sing and speak out. Over sixteen days, their voices, through music and personal testimony, revealed a harsh truth: for many women, the digital world is not a safe space. Aligned with this year’s global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” the campaign was supported by the Plastics Circularity Project, funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation, reinforcing UNDP’s commitment to safer, more inclusive digital spaces.

UNDP believes that a safe digital ecosystem is essential for gender equality, creativity, and participation in public life. 16 Beats of Bravery brought this belief to life through real stories.

Voices that spoke truth

Florence Baidya shared how online attacks often focus on women’s appearance rather than talent. “It chips away at confidence,” she said, “but respectful digital spaces are possible if we build them together.”

Debosrie Antara recalled being blackmailed with morphed images early in her career. Her advice was clear and firm: “Stay informed, stay alert, and never stay silent.”

Singer-songwriter Masha Islam called for empathy in everyday online behaviour, urging users to pause and ask, “How would this feel if it were said to me?”

Others spoke of shame and silence. Sanzida Mahmood Nandita reflected on learning not to let anonymous negativity define her worth. Tasfia Fatima Tashfee highlighted how fake profiles misuse women’s identities, stressing that this is not a celebrity issue, it affects ordinary users every day.

The journey from silence to resistance echoed strongly. Saraf Chishty admitted she once hid to avoid abuse but later realised, “Silence only empowers the abuser.” Godhuli Lamiha reminded survivors that their feelings are valid, and they are not alone.

Solidarity and shared responsibility

Resilience ran through the campaign. From Karishma Sanu Sovvota’s determination to continue creating, to Tasnim Anika and Kaniz Khandaker Mitu prioritising mental well-being, these women reclaimed their digital presence.

Moumita Barua, Atiya Anisha, Badhon Sarker Puja, and Konal reinforced a core message: stand with survivors, not against them. Digital violence weakens when accountability begins.

Importantly, the campaign also featured male allies, Samin Yasar, Khayam Sanu Sandhi, and Sheikh Ishtiaque, standing beside their female colleagues, underscoring that ending digital violence is a shared responsibility, not a women-only issue.

The "16 Beats of Bravery" campaign, launched during the 16 Days of Activism, powerfully amplified the voices of women and allies across Bangladesh to highlight the urgent reality of digital violence. By sharing personal stories and calling for empathy, accountability, and collective action, the campaign underscored that ending online abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Through this campaign, our message is clear: a safe digital world is essential for equality and dignity, and silence is not an option. Together, we must speak up and support survivors to create lasting change.