National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan successfully organized a Cybersecurity Awareness Training aimed at addressing Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence under its Security Awareness for Female Empowerment and Resilience Program at Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund. The session was held as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, which is nationally coordinated by National Commission on the Status of Women in Islamabad. Employees of PPAF and its partner organizations participated both in person and online, demonstrating a shared commitment to promoting safer and more inclusive digital environments for women across professional and community spaces.
The training focused on increasing understanding of how digital platforms are increasingly being used to target women through harassment, intimidation and abuse. Mr. Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building at National CERT, led the primary session and emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs of technology facilitated abuse. He explained how online harassment, cyber intimidation and misuse of digital communication tools often have long lasting emotional and professional impacts on women. By engaging both male and female participants, the session highlighted the collective responsibility of organizations and individuals in identifying harmful behavior, offering appropriate support to survivors and contributing to safer online ecosystems. The discussion also stressed the need for institutional awareness so that workplaces can respond effectively when such incidents are reported.
A dedicated segment of the training was delivered by Ms. Zaheema Iqbal, Assistant Director Advisory and Communication, who addressed the growing role of emerging technologies in enabling technology facilitated gender based violence. She drew attention to the misuse of artificial intelligence tools, particularly the creation and circulation of manipulated or fabricated digital content used to harass, threaten or silence women online. The session also covered common cyber threats such as impersonation, cyberstalking and image based abuse, which continue to rise alongside increased digital engagement. Participants were informed about national reporting channels and referral mechanisms available for timely response, legal guidance and psychological support, ensuring that victims are aware of pathways for seeking help without fear or stigma.
The interactive nature of the training allowed participants to gain practical knowledge on risk identification, safe online practices and effective response strategies. Guidance was provided on first response actions, documentation of incidents and formal reporting procedures to relevant authorities. National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national cybersecurity capacity by promoting digital safety awareness and resilience building initiatives, particularly for women and girls. Through collaboration with public and private sector organizations such as PPAF, National CERT continues to play a key role in addressing digital risks, fostering responsible technology use and supporting efforts to reduce gender based violence in online spaces across Pakistan.
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