UAE Unveils SAFE-T Blueprint to Combat Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women
The blueprint’s first phase builds basic digital infrastructure through a digital safety toolkit, a Global Coalition for Digital Safety and the UN Women Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls.
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The SAFE-T blueprint was announced under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU). It is being implemented through a partnership between the GWU, the Ministry of Justice and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Sheikha Fatima said technology-facilitated violence against women and girls is a growing challenge that goes beyond individual harm and affects social and economic participation. She said threats, abuse, blackmail and defamation through digital channels limit women’s ability to express themselves and take part in public life. She called for an integrated response involving governments, international organizations, technology companies and civil society.
“We do not view women merely as beneficiaries of digital transformation, but as partners in leading it and shaping its future,” Sheikha Fatima said.
The blueprint’s first phase builds basic digital infrastructure through a digital safety toolkit, a Global Coalition for Digital Safety and the UN Women Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls. Its core is the Upstander model, which coordinates nine linked strategies. These include narrowing the digital divide, empowering law enforcement, holding the tech sector accountable and standardizing how data is collected.
Sheikha Fatima also cited the Cyber Pulse Initiative for Women and Family, launched by the GWU with the UAE Cyber Security Council, as a national model that has expanded into the international Cyber Pulse Academy for Women and Family.
GWU Secretary General Noura Al Suwaidi said the organization is committed to using technology to safeguard women’s digital rights. “At the General Women’s Union, we believe that protecting the security and sustainability of the family and society requires joint action and genuine integration among local and international stakeholders,” she said. “Through our continued cooperation with partners and organizations, we seek to establish a safe and equitable digital environment in which every woman and girl can contribute effectively and confidently to sustainable development and human progress.”
The SAFE-T blueprint was announced under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU). It is being implemented through a partnership between the GWU, the Ministry of Justice and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Sheikha Fatima said technology-facilitated violence against women and girls is a growing challenge that goes beyond individual harm and affects social and economic participation. She said threats, abuse, blackmail and defamation through digital channels limit women’s ability to express themselves and take part in public life. She called for an integrated response involving governments, international organizations, technology companies and civil society.
“We do not view women merely as beneficiaries of digital transformation, but as partners in leading it and shaping its future,” Sheikha Fatima said.
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
