UN Women and Yemeni Activists Tackle Rising Digital Violence Against Women

Al-Hariri explains that the most common form of online blackmail involves sharing or threatening to share women’s images—real or altered—to shame, extort, or silence them.

“The laws that do not protect women in reality are the same laws that fail to protect them online,” says Afraa Al-Hariri, Yemeni lawyer, human rights defender, and Country Director of the Peace Track Initiative. Her words echo a growing crisis across the Arab States, where digital violence is becoming one of the most pervasive forms of gender-based abuse.

A new UN Women brief reveals alarming trends:

• 49% of women internet users in the region feel unsafe online, and

• Nearly half of those who experience online harassment face real-world consequences, including violence, economic loss, and severe psychological trauma.

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, UN Women is partnering with Yemen’s Ministry of Justice to strengthen legal systems, train justice actors, and equip institutions to confront technology-facilitated violence, ensuring perpetrators can no longer act in the shadows.

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Digital Abuse in Yemen: Stigma, Silence, and Deepening Inequality

Online spaces in Yemen often mirror—and even magnify—existing gender inequalities. Women routinely face:

• Sexual harassment and online stalking

• Blackmail involving real or fabricated photos

• Defamation aimed at destroying their dignity or reputation

Al-Hariri explains that the most common form of online blackmail involves sharing or threatening to share women’s images—real or altered—to shame, extort, or silence them.

Social norms intensify harm

Deep-rooted stigma fuels the crisis:

“The social norms that treat women as ‘shameful’ offline are the same norms used against them online,” says Al-Hariri.

Many survivors avoid filing complaints due to fear of “dishonouring” their families. This silence enables perpetrators to continue abusing women with impunity. Some victims pay large sums of money to blackmailers, while others suffer alone.

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Real Stories: When Online Violence Destroys Lives

Digital abuse in Yemen is not abstract—its impact is devastating and often life-threatening.

Silenced voices

A young peacebuilder described how online harassment forced her to stop posting about her work after being falsely accused of espionage.

Economic ruin

A beauty salon owner in Aden saw her livelihood collapse after manipulated photos of her were circulated. Her clients vanished, leaving her financially devastated and socially isolated.

Deadly consequences

One woman was killed by her husband after a phone repair technician stole and uploaded photos of her without her veil. The husband faced charges—but no law existed to prosecute the technician who triggered the tragedy.

In another case from Al Hudaydah, a girl took her own life after enduring domestic violence combined with digital extortion.

“It is rare to find a woman activist who has not been subjected to online harassment or defamation.” — Afraa Al-Hariri

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Building a Justice System Ready to Fight Digital Violence

Recognizing the urgent need for legal protection, Al-Hariri worked with women leaders to advocate for action. Their efforts led to the creation of Yemen’s Cybercrime Unit, now trained with support from UN Women, women’s coalitions, and local tech experts. Thousands of digital abuse complaints have been registered—but underreporting remains widespread.

To strengthen institutional responses further, UN Women recently organized a cybercrime workshop for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, and security officials. The training covered:

• Identifying and documenting online blackmail

• Understanding digital evidence and data trails

• Using investigative tools to trace perpetrators

• Improving survivor-centered procedures

• Strengthening cooperation across justice institutions

Voices from the justice system

Fatima Yaslam, Director of the Working Women’s Development Department:

“We need clear regulations linked to crimes and penalties for digital blackmail. This workshop is a step toward elevating our voice.”

Judge Anmar Abdullah Saeed, Member of Seera Primary Prosecution:

“Many people are afraid to report abuse because of social traditions. We must teach communities how to confront digital threats and encourage reporting.”

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UN Women’s Commitment to Safer Digital Spaces

Women and girls must feel empowered to seek justice and safety, says Al-Hariri, who herself has been targeted with online bullying and defamation.

Today, anyone experiencing digital violence in Yemen can file a report with the Office of the Attorney General.

These efforts are supported by the For All Foundation for Development, the Yemen Women National Committee, and multiple civil society partners. UN Women continues to push for:

• Stronger legal frameworks

• Survivor-centered justice mechanisms

• Public awareness and prevention

• Real accountability for perpetrators

• Digital spaces where women and girls can participate freely and safely

As Yemen navigates conflict, instability, and shifting norms, confronting digital violence is essential to ensuring equality, dignity, and justice for all women and girls.