Stakeholders Call for Stronger Laws to Tackle Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Children

Speakers at a discussion in Kathmandu have called for stronger laws to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, warning that women and children are increasingly becoming victims of online abuse, with serious consequences for their mental health and well-being.

The discussion, organised by the Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), focused on a National Assembly resolution urging the government to introduce comprehensive legislation to combat digital violence.

National Assembly member Renu Chand, who proposed the resolution, said the lack of laws regulating social media has made it difficult to respond to growing cases of online violence. Lawmakers Padam Bahadur Pariyar and Roshani Meche said women and children remain the most affected groups and stressed the need for stronger legal protection, victim support and public awareness.

FWLD Executive Director Sabin Shrestha said the increasing misuse of digital platforms has become a major public concern. He noted that although thousands of violence cases are registered every year, only a small number reach prosecution due to inadequate legal provisions.

The resolution calls on the government to enact laws defining technology-facilitated gender-based violence, strengthen victim protection and investigation mechanisms, improve digital literacy, and require social media platforms to promptly remove harmful content and cooperate with law enforcement.