25/11/2025
Observance of 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence
The global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, led by the United Nations, was observed today in Dibrugarh District with a united call to end all forms of violence particularly digital violence targeting women and girls. The annual 16-day campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.
On this occasion today, a programme was organised by the Socio Educational Welfare Association (SEWA) in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Department, District Hub for Women Empowerment, and the District Legal Services Authority, with support from UN Women. The event, held at Pushkara Sarovar Portico, Dibrugarh, brought together frontline workers, Anganwadi Workers, tea garden management representatives, Welfare Officers, Mothers’ Club members, Gender Champions, NGOs, CDPOs, Anganwadi Supervisors, and other key stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Sri Atul Kumar, IPS, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), Dibrugarh, highlighted the alarming rise in online violence against women and explained how digital platforms are increasingly misused to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls. He outlined various forms of digital violence, including image-based abuse and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyberbullying, trolling and online threats, online sexual harassment, AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated explicit content, hate speech and disinformation, doxxing and exposure of personal information, online stalking and surveillance, online grooming and exploitation, catfishing and impersonation, as well as misogynistic online networks such as incel forums and the broader manosphere.
He also shared practical online safety tips and urged participants to adopt mobile-based security measures to safeguard their digital presence.
In his opening remarks, Sri Prasanta Bora, District Welfare Officer, emphasized that collaborative engagement among all stakeholders—government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, community groups, and frontline workers—is essential to ensure effective, survivor-centric support for women facing violence. He stressed that addressing gender-based violence requires a coordinated and sensitive approach that prioritizes the dignity, safety, and rights of survivors at every stage of intervention. Sri Bora also highlighted a range of government welfare schemes aimed at empowering and protecting women, including livelihood support initiatives, social security programmes, skill-development schemes, legal aid services, and health and nutrition interventions implemented through the Department of Social Welfare. He encouraged stakeholders to promote awareness of these schemes at the community level so that more women can benefit from available resources and support systems.
Sri Abhijit Saikia, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dibrugarh, spoke in detail about the growing concerns related to domestic violence and workplace-based violence against women. He explained the key provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, highlighting the various forms of abuse—physical, emotional, economic, and psychological—that the Act recognizes, as well as the legal safeguards and relief measures available to survivors. He also elaborated on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, emphasizing the mandatory requirements for employers, including the establishment of Internal Committees, the importance of maintaining safe work environments, and the procedures for reporting and addressing complaints. Furthermore, the Secretary outlined the crucial roles and responsibilities of Protection Officers in responding to domestic violence cases, including assisting survivors in filing complaints, ensuring access to medical care and shelter, coordinating with the police and legal authorities, and facilitating the issuance and enforcement of protection orders. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to guarantee timely support and justice for women facing violence.
Sri Raju Bahadur Chetry, Officer-in-Charge, Dibrugarh Sadar Police Station, spoke about the growing risks associated with online abuse and social media–related crimes. He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to actively monitor the online activities of children and adolescents to prevent potential harm.
Speaking on behalf of SEWA, the Vice President called upon all stakeholders to unite in combating digital abuse. He stressed the importance of raising awareness, safeguarding personal information, and amplifying women’s voices in digital spaces. He encouraged individuals to speak up, support survivors, and challenge harmful online norms.
Sri Altaf Hussain, General Secretary, SEWA, underscored the role of responsible parenting, regular counselling for children, and alertness while using digital platforms.
Representing APPL Gardens, Smti Tanusree Chetry, Welfare Officer, Chabua Tea Estate, highlighted various gender initiatives underway at the tea garden level.
Under the global call to UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls, SEWA has implemented a series of programmes across multiple districts of Assam, with further awareness activities planned for tea garden communities.
The meeting was anchored by Smti Anashuya Das, Coordinator, SEWA.
This year’s global theme:
🔥 16 Days of Activism 2025: End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls
📢 Join the UNiTE campaign to stop digital abuse.
Digital spaces should be safe for everyone. Together, we can raise awareness, take action, and build a world where women and girls can live, speak, participate online without fear. "If an abuser has the audacity to harm, then we must have the courage to stand together and speak out."
