ASEAN & UNFPA Launch “No Means No. Online Too.” Campaign Against Online GBV
ASEAN and UNFPA Unite to Confront Online Gender-Based Violence with Regional Campaign “No Means No. Online Too.”
BANGKOK, 3 December 2025 – ASEAN today launches a regional effort to curb the rapid rise of online gender-based violence (online GBV) across Southeast Asia. Led by the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), under the leadership of Lao PDR and Thailand, together with the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW)-Thailand and the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Campaign Against Online Gender-Based Violence: “A Collective Call to Action—No Means No. Online Too” seeks to strengthen awareness and spark collective action against digital forms of abuse.
The launch coincides with the 16 Days of Activism, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia-Pacific Regional Office. More than 150 representatives from governments, regional bodies, youth groups, civil society, academia, the private sector, and digital safety advocates gather to spotlight the urgent need for coordinated responses to online violence.
Online GBV, including cyber-harassment, online stalking, gendered disinformation, non-consensual image sharing, and digital coercion, is increasingly affecting women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals across ASEAN at alarming levels. Research indicates that 16–58% of women experience online GBV, while 85% have witnessed such incidents. These acts cause psychological, emotional, social, and economic harm, mirroring patterns of offline violence.
Dr. Ratchada Jayagupta, Thailand’s Representative to ACWC for Women’s Rights and a co-champion of the campaign, highlights that the initiative emerges from years of evidence-building and consultation, including an ASEAN-level consultation held in Bangkok in October 2024 with UNFPA support. The consultation brought together stakeholders to assess rising threats and co-design communication strategies.
Today’s launch also serves as Thailand’s national kick-off, showing how a regional effort can be adapted locally using Thai-language campaign materials. Dr. Ratchada notes that aligning the regional launch, national adaptation, and earlier consultation helps reinforce links among digital safety, disability inclusion, youth engagement, and cross-sector collaboration during the 16 Days of Activism.
“Thailand is proud to stand with ASEAN in moving this message forward. Localizing the campaign ensures our communities and young people feel empowered to speak up and act against online harm,” Dr. Ratchada states.
Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of Office, UNFPA Thailand, emphasizes that the campaign offers practical tools, such as videos, social media assets, and visual materials in English and national languages, to help Member States promote digital safety, increase public awareness, and support survivors seeking help. The campaign also underscores the importance of responsible online behavior, bystander intervention, and cooperation across government and non-government sectors.
Ms. Siriluck notes that online violence is real-life violence, with long-term impacts on physical and mental health, as well as victims’ property. Addressing online violence remains a challenge for many ASEAN countries, requiring stronger coordination among communication, technology, law enforcement, public health, and social services agencies.
“Violence against women and girls can be prevented, both online and offline. When all sectors work together, invest in effective approaches, and prioritize survivor-centered responses, tangible progress is possible in creating safe communities for everyone, especially women and girls,” Ms. Siriluck says.
The campaign reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering digital environments for all women and girls. It also reflects UNFPA’s continued support for regional cooperation, policy dialogue, and survivor-centered responses to both online and offline violence.
