Tunis Unites Against Digital Violence
Tunis, December 7, 2025, saw a remarkable display of solidarity and civic engagement as the city's iconic Habib Bourguiba Avenue came alive with the symbolic "5KM Run for Digital Safety" event. This event was the highlight of the national campaign "United Against Digital Violence Against Women and Girls," which transformed the heart of the capital into a vibrant platform against online violence.
Organized by UN Women Tunisia
The event was organized by UN Women Tunisia as part of the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism campaign, titled "United to Combat Digital Violence Against Women and Girls." This initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Amen Tech Program and in partnership with Orange Tunisia, with financial support from UK Aid and the British Embassy, and in the presence of His Excellency the British Ambassador, Mr. Roddy Drummond.
A Successful Challenge
The event successfully met its challenge: mobilizing the streets to secure the screen. From 7:00 AM, the event village welcomed participants in an energetic atmosphere, featuring a majorette show, musical performances, and interactive workshops dedicated to digital security. Awareness spaces, an engagement wall #NoExcuse, and a fun course to understand the risks of deepfakes, cyberbullying, and identity theft allowed the public to grasp the issues of online violence.
A Collective Effort
After the flag-raising ceremony and official speeches, the event started at 8:30 AM, gathering 350 participants from all walks of life: homemakers, doctors, students, entrepreneurs, athletes, members of UN agencies, and representatives of civil society. The event was distinguished by the presence of high-level guests, reinforcing the impact of this collective moment. The Governor of Tunis, Mr. Imed Boukhris, officially launched the event alongside Moez Doraid, Regional Director of UN Women for the Arab States, who emphasized in his speech that "this is not just a race, it's a collective stance. Today, by moving forward together, we send a stronger message than any online threat: our streets must be safe, our homes must be safe, and our digital spaces must be safe too."
International Support
The event was also marked by the presence of several ambassadors and diplomatic representations, numerous heads of UN agencies in Tunisia, and members of the international community, who walked and ran alongside citizens to show their support. Throughout the morning, awareness activities led by different UN agencies, including UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF, helped deepen understanding of the risks associated with digital violence and promoted prevention and reporting tools. This collective mobilization gave the event a unique dimension, perfectly illustrating the unified and inter-agency approach carried by the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
A Clear Message
In conclusion, the partners reaffirmed that the fight against digital violence is a national and collective imperative. The rapid progress of technologies has created new forms of violence that, although virtual in appearance, have very real consequences on security, freedom of expression, mental health, and the participation of women and girls in public life. Through this exceptional mobilization, Tunis sent a clear and powerful message: there is no excuse for online violence, and Tunisia remains firmly committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful digital space for all.
