Raxanreeb Online, Mogadishu: Women in the Southwest State of Somalia decry online abuse, cyberbullying, and digital blackmail that are on the increase and have been made easy with the proliferation of mobile technology and internet access.

The United Nations migration office in Somalia, through its women-to-women initiative, launched their 16 days of activism campaign by urging communities to protect women and girls from cyberbullying and blackmail as they continued to empower young women with digital safety skills.

The campaign has focused on the global theme of the 16 days of activism, which calls to action the international community to address technology-facilitated violence against women and girls.

Recent research and reporting in Somalia indicate that digital violence against women is a significantly escalating crisis and is moving beyond traditional forms of gender-based violence.

The United Nations migration office in Somalia has actively been involved with equipping the less privileged members of the community with digital skills in areas like Baidoa, where they launched a sporting activity as a tool to convey their message.

The tournament brought together youths from different settlements and provided a platform to openly discuss the sensitive issue of violence against women.

The head of the IOM Somalia protection unit, Muneyi Rewayi, said it was vital for the communities to celebrate the 16 days of activism in recognition of the violence and challenges that women and girls face.

Youth involved in the tournament called upon the organizers to expand the tournaments in different parts of Somalia in the hope that the campaign can reach many people who are connected through football in Somalia.