Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris called for stronger coordinated action to combat online violence against girls as a two-day conference opened in Nicosia under Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Conference opens under Cyprus EU Council presidency
Justice ministry permanent secretary George Panteli delivered remarks on behalf of Fitiris, saying a Europe built on equal opportunities, mutual respect, diversity and resilience, free from gender-based violence, discrimination and inequality, required coordinated action, consistency, persistence and genuine cooperation.
The conference brought together senior EU and United Nations officials, academics, technocrats, experts, scientists and representatives of organisations working on online violence and human rights.
Call for political will and stronger prevention
In the minister’s message, Panteli said ending online violence against girls required strong political will to advance progress in gender equality and human rights while safeguarding gains achieved through decades of effort.
He described online violence as a rapidly evolving social phenomenon with multiple and deeply harmful consequences for girls who experience it.
The message said that despite strong legislative and policy tools at European and international level, more needed to be done in prevention, information, training and awareness-raising among society and professionals to prevent and fully eliminate gender-based violence in cyberspace.
Addressing stereotypes and expanding stakeholder participation
The minister’s message said dismantling deeply rooted stereotypes and perceptions about the roles of women and men remained a key part of the collective effort.
It added that Cyprus’ EU presidency has promoted complementary flagship initiatives at European and international level, including targeted actions within the framework of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, aimed at strengthening prevention strategies, improving victim protection and increasing the participation of all stakeholders, particularly men and boys, in efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.
National reforms and policy tools
At national level, Cyprus has in recent years introduced legislative reforms criminalising all forms of gender-based violence, including online abuse, cyber harassment, online sexism, stalking and femicide.
The minister’s message identified Cyprus’ gender equality strategy for 2024-2026 and the national strategy and action plan for the prevention and combatting of violence against women for 2023-2028 as key policy tools supporting these efforts.
What measures do you think would most effectively prevent online violence against girls?