The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigerian office of UN Women, and the Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI) have intensified efforts to protect young women and girls from digital violence, urging them to speak up early to prevent harmful consequences.
The organisations encouraged young women and girls to report incidents of online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, and other technology-related abuses, noting the rising prevalence of such cases.
Speaking at an event marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, organised by SGAI in partnership with UN Women Nigeria, NAPTIP called for wider grassroots awareness on the dangers of digital violence.
NAPTIP’s Assistant Director in charge of Violence Against Persons, Theresa Kuma, said the agency remains committed to safeguarding young women and girls from technology-facilitated abuses. She explained that many young women have suffered emotional distress due to online violations and urged victims to report early so they can receive timely support.
The event, held at the Palace of the Sakabusayi of Kabusa Community in the Galadimawa area of the FCT, featured the theme: “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.”
The Chief of Kabusa Community, Samuel Kpowu, commended the organisers of the awareness campaign and outreaches, saying that the messages would be taken to all the nooks and crannies of the area.
Speaking on behalf of SGAI and UN Women, Nigeria, the Executive Director of SGAI, Mrs Mufuliat Fijabi, highlighted the significance of the awareness campaigns, saying that it would go a long way to shape the approaches and perspectives of young women and girls towards digital violence.
She said, “This year’s theme, ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls Abuse’, highlights the urgent need to address the growing prevalence of online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, and other forms of technology-facilitated violence.
“As digital spaces increasingly shape social, political, and economic life, ensuring the safety and dignity of young women is essential to achieving gender equality and inclusive development.
“Engaging young women in rural communities is particularly critical, as they often face limited digital literacy, inadequate access to reporting mechanisms, and heightened vulnerability to online exploitation.
“Empowering them with knowledge, support networks, and safe digital practices builds their confidence to participate fully in online platforms and to resist and report technology-based harm.
“By raising awareness, strengthening community dialogue, and connecting rural young women to available protection and legal services, the 2025 campaign seeks to close the digital safety gap and amplify the voices of those most affected yet often least heard.”
Fijabi said the SGAI would continue to be at the forefront of the campaign against all forms of violence and abuses against young women and girls, and commended the huge turnout of participants in the programme.
