By Adenike Ayodele
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called for urgent and united action to end the rising tide of digital violence against women and girls.
FIDA said this at a news conference on Monday in Lagos to kickstart the 2025 annual general conference slated for Nov. 25 to Nov. 27.
The theme of this year’s conference is: “Bridging Gaps, Building Future: Women’s Rights, Justice and Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.
FIDA’s Country Vice President, Mrs Eliana Martins, said digital violence has become one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse, worsening gender inequalities and pushing many women and girls out of online spaces essential for learning, economic participation and self-expression.
Martins, who also doubles as the National President of FIDA, said the organisation has launched a 16-day of activism against online and digital violence on women and girls in the country.
According to her, common forms of online abuse include harassment, cyberbullying, trolling, doxing, image-based abuse, online stalking, hate speech, impersonation, gaslighting and sextortion.
She warned that the acts left deep psychological, reputational scars and deprived women and girls of opportunities offered by technology.
Martins said in spite of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act 2015 and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, weak enforcement, anonymity of perpetrators, inadequate digital literacy and insufficient accountability from technology companies continue to fuel impunity.
She said: “Many women and girls now withdraw from digital spaces due to fear of harassment, identity theft, impersonation, blackmail or AI-generated misinformation.
“This withdrawal limits their access to innovation, empowerment and development.
“We urge government agencies and law enforcement bodies to strengthen enforcement, adopt survivor-centred approaches and ensure timely prosecution of offenders.
“We also called on tech companies to enforce clear rules, remove harmful content promptly and improve user education on online safety.”
She also emphasised the need for sustained public awareness campaigns to promote digital literacy and responsible online conduct, noting that safe online spaces are essential for survivors to speak out and access justice.
“Digital violence must not be trivialised or dismissed as free speech because dignity and privacy of women and girls must be protected both online and offline,” Martins said.
The Deputy Country Vice-President of FIDA, Mrs Olubunmi Arajuwa, who spoke on digital violence and accountability of tech companies, said the organisation is working to ensure that technology platforms uphold safety standards and comply with laws against online gender-based violence.
Arajuwa explained that the ongoing 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence provided an avenue for wider sensitisation on digital abuse, identity theft and other online threats.
According to her, FIDA branches nationwide are carrying out awareness activities to educate citizens and push for stronger accountability from digital platforms.
“Ignorance of the law cannot be an excuse for violating the rights of women and girls online.
“FIDA remains committed to supporting survivors, promoting legal awareness and strengthening enforcement mechanisms to curb gender-based violence in all its forms,” Arajuwa said. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
