Guyana is calling for stronger international action to combat digital violence against women, with Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud urging the global community to establish clear accountability measures and strengthen protections for women participating in public life.
Minister Persaud made the call on October 5, 2026, when she addressed the Forum of Women Parliamentarians at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.
Dr Persaud advocated a global approach that goes beyond women’s representation in leadership to ensure they exercise meaningful influence over decisions affecting peace, security, economic development, and resource allocation.
She warned that the rapid expansion of digital abuse, including artificial intelligence-generated sexual images and coordinated online harassment, poses a growing threat to women’s participation in politics and other areas of public service.
“Digital violence threatens that promise,” she stated, referring to the principle that every girl should be able to aspire to public service without fear.
She explained that manipulated images and online attacks can damage reputations, undermine confidence and force women to reconsider their involvement in public life.
Drawing on her own experience with digital violence, the minister challenged the expectation that women should limit their visibility to protect themselves from online abuse, explaining that the digital environment allows harmful content to spread rapidly across borders, while anonymity can shield perpetrators and algorithms can amplify humiliation.
In addressing these challenges, Minister Persaud pointed to Guyana’s legislative framework, including its cybercrime legislation and the Family Violence Act 2024, as part of the country’s response to abuse and violence.
She outlined key provisions of the Family Violence Act, including the integration of civil and criminal measures, requirements for police to act when reports are made, protections allowing victims and their children to remain in their homes, and defined timelines for reporting and initiating charges.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to provide training, psychosocial assistance and shelter services to support persons affected by violence.
Guyana is preparing for a comprehensive national conversation on digital violence during the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, reinforcing the need to address emerging forms of abuse through public awareness, prevention and accountability.
