Under the SAFE Girls Project, a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) orientation was successfully conducted for mentors from Basbariya, Haripurwa, and Kaudena Palikas of Sarlahi district. The session took place at the project satellite office in Malanga, Sarlahi, bringing together energetic and committed mentors working closely with adolescents and young people at the community level.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Saugat Thapa, MEAL Officer, RDC Nepal, who led interactive discussions and encouraged participants to reflect on the growing impact of digital technology in the lives of adolescents—both its opportunities and risks.
TF-GBV is an emerging and serious form of violence that uses digital technologies such as mobile phones, social media, and online platforms to harass, threaten, exploit, or harm individuals—most often women and girls. It includes behaviors such as online stalking, cyberbullying, hate speech, impersonation, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and digital blackmail. With increasing access to technology, such forms of violence have expanded traditional gender-based violence into digital spaces, often with wider reach and long-lasting impact.
The orientation focused on digital literacy, online safety practices, responsible use of technology, and available support and referral mechanisms for survivors. Mentors actively shared their experiences from the field and discussed how they can support adolescents in recognizing, preventing, and responding to TF-GBV.
The session highlighted the importance of collective action in creating safer, more inclusive digital spaces. Participants expressed strong commitment to integrating TF-GBV awareness into their ongoing mentoring work, ensuring that adolescents and young people are better informed, protected, and empowered in the digital world.
