Publish Date: Nov 25, 2025

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led by UN Women under the UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative. In 2025, the campaign focuses on ending digital violence against all women and girls – one of the fastest-evolving forms of abuse worldwide. 

Digital violence includes online harassment, stalking, gendered disinformation, deepfakes, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, all of which are rising sharply as technology advances.

The role of advertising and media in building safe online spaces

Advertising and media play a critical role in shaping digital culture and making online spaces safer for women and girls. The portrayals, narratives, and representations in advertising don't just reflect society – they can actively shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours.

The industry must:

  • Challenge harmful stereotypes that normalize objectification, discrimination and violence, against women and girls in digital content
  • Portray women and girls with dignity, agency, and respect across all platforms
  • Use their influence to shift the social norms that currently enable and excuse gender-based violence online
  • Consider both ad content and placement environments.

A Call to Action

The 2025 UNiTE campaign calls on governments, technology companies, media organizations, advertisers, and communities to act now – to strengthen laws, end impunity, 

At the Unstereotype Alliance we have a suite of proprietary tools and insights to ensure advertising makes the online – and real – world a safer and more inclusive place for all women and girls. We urge:

Industry leaders to eliminate harmful stereotypes and create content that challenges the attitudes that enable digital violence. 

Invest in diverse storytelling that centers women's voices, experiences, and leadership to ensure positive portrayals in digital spaces. 

Together, we can create an online world free from stereotypes where all women and girls are safe, respected, and free from violence. 

Media and advertising have the power to unstereotype digital spaces. 

To our Members and Allies, thank you for standing with us as we build this safe future. 

Join us and be part of the solution.