LocationsTraining on “Mechanisms to Combat Violence Against Women and Children in Social Media” for Regional Representatives of Ombudsman and NGOs
August 12, 2025
UNDP Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan — On August 11, 2025, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) and leading civil society organizations, launched a two-day training titled “Mechanisms to Combat Violence Against Women and Children in Social Media.” The training brings together more than 30 regional representatives of the Ombudsman’s office and NGOs to build their capacity in addressing violence against women and children in the digital space — a growing global concern with profound local relevance.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Anas Fayyad Qarman, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Uzbekistan, emphasized the urgency and complexity of the issue:
“Social media has become an integral part of our daily life. Yet it enabled new forms of abuse that disproportionately affect women, children, and marginalized groups. Combating online violence is not only a matter of regulation — it is a matter of gender justice, institutional strength, and cultural change. We believe that increasing knowledge, exchanging good practices, and strengthening coordination between the Ombudsperson’s office and civil society will lead to more responsive laws and more effective support systems tailored to real needs.”
The two-day training explores the multi-dimensional nature of cyber violence, including its gendered roots and links to misogyny, online harassment, and normalization of harmful content. Participants engage in real-life case scenario analyses, and critical discussions on how to identify and respond to digital abuse in a safe, ethical, and survivor-centered manner.
Day two focuses on prevention and response strategies, including support mapping, institutional coordination, and practical tools for early detection. A dedicated session on digital investigation introduces participants to evidence-based approaches for handling electronic and online abuse cases. The workshop concludes with the development of joint recommendations for future action.
Training sessions are led by international experts from the Latvian NGO Marta, a trusted partner with extensive experience in supporting women and children affected by violence. The programme combines global expertise with local realities to help build a shared understanding and coordinated response framework.
The initiative is part of UNDP’s broader effort to promote human rights and rule of law through the project “Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights Protection in Uzbekistan,” implemented in cooperation with national partners and funded by the Government of Finland.
By strengthening frontline actors’ ability to address violence in digital spaces, the training contributes to Uzbekistan’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals — especially Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
