The motion states: “10 December marks the final day of 16 Days of Activism to end gender based violence.

“The theme of this year’s campaign is: “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls”. Violence against women and girls affects one in three women. It is a global human rights emergency that must stop.

“As the World marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action - one of the most progressive international agreements on women’s rights to date - The UN Secretary General’s UNITE 2025 campaign focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse: Digital violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality.

“Council notes this year’s theme and recognises: Growing concern around online harassment, image-based abuse, and digital coercive control are increasingly reported by Scottish women, especially younger women and those in public life. Scotland’s equally safe strategy which already frames violence as a cause and consequence of gender inequality.

“The 2025 campaign strengthens this by insisting that digital safety is now central to gender equality.

“Council notes with concern that digital violence is a growing threat in Scotland which is undermining women’s participation in democracy, education and employment. Council requests that Scottish Government and COSLA working as co-owners embed digital safety into the Equally Safe Strategy and national prevention frameworks and work with local authorities to implement locally.

“Council asks digital and education sectors to strengthen safeguards and promote digital literacy. Council notes that within South Lanarkshire the 2025 16 Day Campaign of Activism has been marked with visible community action and council leadership, aligning with the UNITE theme of ending digital violence against women and girls.”

The motion was proposed by Councillor Mary Donnelly and seconded by Councillor Ross Clark.

In previous years Hamilton Town House has been lit up orange to mark the occasion, as photographed above.