By Mariam Abdulkadir-Yusuf
Stakeholders from government agencies, Civil Society Organizations, security agencies, Students and other relevant groups have called for stronger measures to address Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).
The call was made during a one-day stakeholders’ programme organised by Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiatives in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital to raise awareness and strengthen collective efforts toward preventing and responding to gender-based violence perpetrated through digital platforms .
The programme provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the growing use of technology to perpetrate harassment, cyberstalking, online threats, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, impersonation,deep fake and shallow fake messages ,sextortion and other forms of abuse targeting women and girls.
Speaking on the theme” the Digital Voices Empowering Nigeria Women Against Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence”,the representatives of Nigeria Police Force representative , ASP Fatima Isa, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps, Dada Rachael, Independent National Electoral Commission , Albert Anda, the Media, Obasa Olufunke and Non Governmental Organisation, Adeleye Ifeoluwa emphasised the importance of strengthening digital literacy and ensuring that victims and survivors have access to appropriate support services.
They stressed the need for individuals to understand their rights and adopt safer online practices while encouraging technology users to report abusive content and behaviour through the appropriate channels.
They also called on media practitioners to hold the ethical standard in high esteem while reporting technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence while urging INEC to continue to sensitised citizens on their right to participate in the electoral processes .
They said effective response requires stronger reporting systems, proper documentation of cases, timely investigation and appropriate support for survivors, while perpetrators should be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws.
Earlier, the state commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Opeyemi Oluwakemi who spoke through the Director of Personnel , Finance and Supply, Alhaji Baba AbdulRasheed Ubadawaki expressed renewed commitment to promote safer and more inclusive digital spaces.
She maintained that sustained advocacy, public education and coordinated action are essential to preventing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and ensuring that women and girls can participate freely and safely in the digital environment.
Participants at the programme called for improved collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, Media , Civil Society Organizations and communities and religious leaders in tackling TFGBV.
The participants noted that the increasing use of social media and digital communication platforms requires greater public awareness and effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing online abuse.
