"My organization’s social media profile picture and name were used to create a fake account that scammed people into donating funds. Since then, I have stopped advocating online because I fear it will harm my organization," shared a participant* at the Strengthening Women Civil Society Organizations' (CSOs) Digital Security workshop, held on 3-4 February 2025, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Another participant* highlighted a different but equally alarming experience: "I’ve received multiple social media messages from different users claiming they have nude photos of me. They threatened to release them unless I sent money via cryptocurrency. Even though these photos don’t exist, they can easily be fabricated using AI tools. That alone is enough to destroy my reputation and my organization’s credibility. Now, I don’t know whether to close my account or how to protect myself”.

These testimonies underscore a growing crisis in Asia and the Pacific whereby women-led CSOs and their leaders are being systematically targeted online, yet many lack the tools, knowledge, or support to defend themselves.

Without appropriate guidance and support, the consequences may be severe—the silencing of their advocacy.

In response to these urgent challenges, UN Women convened a two-day workshop in Port Moresby, bringing together 28 women CSO representatives for their first exposure to digital security training.

Peterson Magoola, UN Women Country Representative for Papua New Guinea, emphasized the urgent need for action.

“This initiative represents a critical step in equipping women’s organizations with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate online threats, protect their voices, and continue their vital work safely while leveraging the benefits of technology,” said Mr Peterson.

Maryanne Rimbao, CEO and Founder of Humanity and Nature Indigenous Women Association Inc., underscored: “As Melanesian women, we often face stigma and discrimination offline and online, based on cultural norms.

“Women-led organizations often store sensitive and confidential information about women at the community level, making digital security a fundamental necessity,” said Ms Rimbao.

“It’s essential that we not only learn how to protect our data but also understand the legal frameworks surrounding digital threats and advocate for stronger protections at the policy level.

Looking ahead, and with the knowledge we have gained as a group, I hope we can build a coalition and develop recommendations for regulators. This will allow us to contribute in a more meaningful way to policymaking, strengthen our engagement and frame this issue in the context of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.”

As part of the project “Women, Peace and Cybersecurity in Asia and the Pacific: Promoting Women’s Peace and Security in the Digital World”, supported by Australia’s Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation Program, UN Women will continue to support women-led CSOs by providing capacity-building initiatives and creating platforms for dialogue between civil society, government actors, and social media companies.

UN Women will also ensure that women from countries—such as Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Cambodia—have the opportunity to share their experiences, collaborate on solutions and advocate for stronger digital protections at the national and regional levels.

As part of UN Women’s efforts under the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, stories like Diyar Hasan Sharif’s reflect the transformative impact of investing in women’s leadership at the grassroots level. Her journey illustrates how strategic empowerment initiatives are shaping inclusive peacebuilding across Iraq.

Diyar Hasan Sharif was born and raised in Dhi Qar, a region in southern Iraq known for its strong tribal traditions. Growing up in a society that often relegated women to the sidelines, Diyar was no stranger to the barriers imposed on her gender. Despite the challenges, she pursued her education in legal administration at a technical institute and later found her voice as a media professional at Al-Ahwar TV channel.

Her life in a patriarchal society presented a unique paradox. On one hand, she was a woman with dreams and ambitions, eager to carve a space for herself. On the other hand, she witnessed the marginalization of women in public and social life—a reality she sought to change.

Although apprehensive, she signed up, driven by the belief that the training could enhance her ability to contribute meaningfully to her community. “I wanted to not only learn but also become a voice for the women who were often silenced in my society,” Diyar reflected.

Building Foundations

The two-day training workshops were a transformative experience. Topics ranged from understanding women’s roles in peacebuilding to practical skills in negotiation and conflict resolution. Diyar learned about the UN’s Women, Peace, and Security agenda, as well as national frameworks supporting gender equality and conflict management.

For the first time, Diyar found herself in a room filled with women who shared her vision of breaking societal barriers. The program not only equipped her with skills but also fostered a sense of solidarity among participants.

Equipped with newfound confidence and expertise, Diyar joined the Council of Leaders and Elders in Dhi Qar. Her first major challenge was mediating a water-sharing dispute between two tribes. Utilizing her negotiation skills, she facilitated a resolution that balanced tribal traditions with modern conflict resolution practices.

Her efforts extended beyond mediation. She collaborated with religious leaders to address broader social issues, including care for orphans and impoverished families. “True peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to resolve it with empathy and understanding,” she often emphasized.

Diyar’s journey came full circle when she transitioned from a trainee to a trainer. She organized a workshop for 20 women, focusing on leadership and conflict resolution. Empowering other women became her mission, as she believed in the ripple effect of shared knowledge.

Her training sessions were not just about teaching skills but inspiring confidence in women who had long been sidelined. “We all have the power to lead, but sometimes we need someone to remind us of our strength,” she would tell her participants.

Impact Beyond the Workshops

<>As a media professional, Diyar used her platform to highlight stories of women contributing to peacebuilding. Her broadcasts showcased the positive impact of women’s leadership in resolving conflicts and building cohesive communities. She also leveraged social media, sharing her journey and motivating others to step into leadership roles.

Her work caught the attention of local and national leaders, further amplifying her message. Through her advocacy, Diyar became a role model, inspiring women across Iraq to defy societal expectations.

Diyar envisions a future where women in Iraq are not just participants but leaders in societal transformation. Her work with the Council and her role as a trainer are stepping stones toward a larger goal: creating an inclusive society where women’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of empowering one woman to inspire a community. As Diyar often says, “Leadership is not about power; it’s about empowering others to find their voice and create change.”

Through her dedication and courage, Diyar Hasan Sharif has become a beacon of hope in her community, proving that even in the face of adversity, one person can make a difference. Her journey is not just her story; it is a movement for change.

Located in Akhmeta Municipality, the Pankisi Gorge is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Kists. Here, the authority of religious leaders and the influence of customary law and traditions have been very strong, affecting the rights of local women for years.

In a community where even discussing gender equality was once considered challenging, the establishment of the Council of Elder Women marked a major breakthrough. The initiative was driven by local women, with significant contribution from both Iza Bekauri, Head of the Sakartvelo Regional Empowerment Foundation (SREF), and Guliko Khangoshvili, the first-ever Head of the Council.

Guliko is 65 and lives in the village of Duisi with her husband. She has four children and nine grandchildren. A dentist by profession, she first worked as a dental technician in Tbilisi, and in 2009, after returning to the village, she continued her work but as a culinary instructor at the Kakheti Regional Development Foundation (now the SREF).

“I have always been good at cooking and baking, so I gladly agreed to teach,” recalls Guliko. “At the same time, I joined the women’s club, where local women would gather and share their needs with each other. It was through these meetings that many problems came to light. For example, there is a traditional local dispute resolution system led by the Council of Elder Men, where women are not allowed to participate directly—only the male relatives would speak for them. Women also found it difficult to discuss their problems not only publicly but even within their families. That was when Iza Bekauri came up with the idea of creating a Council of Elder Women, to serve as a bridge between the men’s council and the women of Pankisi, to advocate for their legitimate interests.”

To bring the idea to life, a group of women visited villages across the valley and selected 15 candidates for the Council, and then they presented the initiative to the Council of Elder Men. Although initially rejected, they ultimately succeeded in convincing them. “We explained that we could amplify women’s voices and contribute to fair decision-making,” says Guliko. “They trusted us, and in 2011, with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), we officially registered our organization in the Public Registry.”

At the initial stage, the women faced substantial resistance from the local community, but they gradually gained everyone’s trust and began working actively. Over the years, with the support of donors, including UN Women as one of the most active supporters, they achieved transformative results.

Thanks to the Council’s efforts, local women secured their rights to child custody and property ownership after divorce, and alimony issues were addressed as well. Notably, early marriage—once widespread in the community—is no longer registered through religious ceremonies.

“After divorce, women were not allowed to take their children with them,” Guliko notes. “Through our work and explanations, we ensured that at least young children could remain with their mothers. Then we enrolled these women in vocational courses, and with the help of donors, we provided small grants so that they could become economically empowered, earn an income and provide for their children. We made sure no one was left behind.”

The Council also helped local women obtain important information. Booklets were designed and distributed containing information about women’s rights in accordance with Georgian legislation, religion and Kist law. It was with the help of this Council that the voices of women in the Pankisi Gorge were heard.

“I feel proud when I know that mothers are free to take their children away after divorce, and also some of them are economically empowered—to see that the Council has contributed to all of this. We also feel gratitude from the women,” says Guliko, who led the Council until 2025. While the organization’s work is currently suspended, its members continue to provide voluntary support and, if necessary, continue assisting women.

The Council of Elder Women was supported by UN Women within the framework of the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality (UNJP4GE), with generous funding from Sweden.