Tackling a recurring challenge of our times, this spans all geographic borders across the globe. This challenge is rather sparked by the dehumanizing behavior of some people in our societies, whose acts of violence against women and children continue to be a source of pain in the lives of countless women and children. In strengthening women’s capacity to combat VAW using ICT, its worthy to mention upfront that Mahyoro Rural Information Centre (MARIC) remains committed in the global fight against this scourge.

Building towards International Women's Day and beyond, the mWomen Charter reminds us that connectivity is a fundamental human right and today 300 million fewer women have access than men. There must be more action to close the mobile phone gender gap and ensure women's access to technology.

Do you believe women deserve the freedom to connect? If so, sign the GSMA mWomen Charter today.

For those already taking action, tell others about your mWomen project on the mWomen Deployment Tracker, an interactive, online tool designed as a hub for gender and mobile projects around the world, encouraging collaboration and shared learnings.

How many times have you received a forwarded message that contains photographs or a video of someone being violated or humiliated? What do you do with it?

Many of us do not stop and think about the potential long-term impact of our action when we record, share and pass on information using information and communication technology (ICT).

On 25 February 2011, the APC Women's Networking Support Programme launched the I don't forward violence campaign during the 55th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York asking people to sign the pledge: Take a Stand - The violence stops with you!