By FEMALE
“Every phone notification might look like just a message, but for many women and girls, it’s the start of a nightmare — fear, abuse, and silence.”
— Hayat Mirshad, Executive Director of FEMALE
A growing crisis, a silenced reality
In Lebanon, online gender-based violence is escalating at alarming rates.
From 2020 to 2025, cases of digital harassment, blackmail, doxxing, and online stalking rose by more than 300%, with 80% of victims being women and girls. Yet, only 12% ever report these violations often silenced by fear, shame, and the lack of legal protection.
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Behind every message and every screen lies a story: a girl blackmailed with a photo, a journalist targeted with hate campaigns, an activist silenced for speaking out.
Digital violence doesn’t stop at the screen, it destroys lives, reputations, and freedom.
And still, Lebanon has neither a clear legal definition for TFGBV nor a specific gender sensitive law that criminalizes these acts or protects survivors.
From awareness to legislation: A feminist journey
Since 2020, FEMALE has been leading the national conversation on digital violence through its long-term campaign, “Screens Do Not Protect / الشاشة ما بتحمي.”
Through workshops, awareness sessions, research, and survivors’ support, the campaign has reached thousands of young people, educators, and activists building a movement for digital justice.
After five years of groundwork, FEMALE is now taking the fight further with a bold new campaign:
“Only the Law can Lock the Block
البلوك المضمون بكون بالقانون ”
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Launched on November 9, 2025, at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut, the campaign marks a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s feminist advocacy, a shift from awareness to legal protection and accountability.
The event gathered a diverse audience of activists, journalists, decision-makers, and partners, including MPs, ambassadors, celebrities, UN agencies, influencers, international organizations, and media representatives.
Hosted by Mariam Yaghi, Managing Editor of Sharika wa Laken, the evening featured powerful speeches and the debut of FEMALE’s campaign video starring prominent actor and activist Rita Hayek.
Rita’s emotional portrayal of a survivor of online harassment captured the pain and resilience behind the statistics showing that cyber violence is real violence.
Hayat Mirshad, Executive Director of FEMALE, opened the evening with an impassioned call for justice:
“Behind every notification, there’s a story maybe a girl blackmailed with a photo, a woman trapped by threats or stalking, or an activist silenced by organized hate. Digital violence doesn’t stop at the screen; it extends into real life.”
Anandita Philipose, UNFPA Representative in Lebanon, emphasized that online violence is now one of the fastest-growing threats to women’s safety worldwide. She reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to working with feminist movements like FEMALE and MPs such as Dr. Halima Kaakour to push for Lebanon’s first law criminalizing digital violence.
MP Halima Kaakour also spoke powerfully about the state’s responsibility to protect women:
“Existing laws fall short of addressing digital challenges. We need a comprehensive legal framework that criminalizes all forms of online violence and ensures accountability.
The campaign’s launch marks another milestone in FEMALE’s mission to defend women’s rights, amplify survivors’ voices, and demand gender justice in Lebanon.
The moment the campaign was unveiled and immediately after the launch, it took the digital space by storm, sparking thousands of shares, mentions, and conversations across social media platforms. Online communities and diverse media platforms were buzzing with excitement, turning our cause over days for the talk of the town. Within less than 48 hours, the campaign video had already reached more than half a million views on Instagram alone, a clear testament to its powerful message and wide appeal.
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Turning advocacy into law
The campaign is supported by a legal committee of judges, lawyers, and MPs working alongside FEMALE to refine and advance the draft Digital Safety Law.
This law aims to criminalize online gender-based violence, provide protection for survivors, and create accountability mechanisms for perpetrators and institutions alike.
FEMALE’s approach combines advocacy, awareness, and action:
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What’s next
FEMALE’s next goal is clear:
To see Lebanon’s first Digital Safety Law introduced, debated, and passed in Parliament.
Until that happens, the campaign will continue mobilizing public support, pushing policymakers to act, and creating safe digital spaces for all women and girls.
Because the guaranteed block isn’t on an app — it’s in the law.
#TheLegalBlock – Towards a Safe Digital Space for Women in Lebanon
