Abuja: Sustainable Gender Action Initiative (SGAI), UN Women, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have intensified grassroots mobilisation against technology-facilitated gender-based violence across communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Dr Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director of SGAI, during a community outreach in Kabusa Community in Abuja, highlighted the need to address online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing and other forms of technology-facilitated violence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the outreach was part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, themed ‘UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.’ Fijabi noted that young women in the community remained vulnerable due to limited digital literacy and inadequate access to reporting mechanisms. She explained that the exercise aims to empower them with knowledge, support networks, and safe online practices.
‘This will enhance their confidence to participate meaningfully in digital spaces while resisting and reporting online exploitation,’ she added. Fijabi emphasized the importance of providing necessary information and knowledge to identify signs of digital violence and prevent or report it.
Mrs Theresa Kuma, Assistant Director of the Violence Against Persons Department at NAPTIP, underscored the agency’s role in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting GBV cases. She stated, ‘We sensitise communities so they can be informed, supported, and protected against violence and harmful traditional practices. We provide psychosocial services, and when cases are reported, we counsel survivors, offer medical services, investigate and prosecute offenders.’
The Chief of Kabusa Community, Samuel Kpowu, urged residents to ensure an end to all forms of violence and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring perpetrators are reported and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Community members expressed appreciation for the sensitisation exercise and donation of items.
Hajiya Fatima Salihu, a community member, noted her newfound understanding of GBV and the appropriate authorities to report to. Similarly, Mrs Nonye Chukwukah assured that she would pass the lessons on to others, especially young women and girls, to raise awareness on digital violence. She stated, ‘We now understand that online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of pictures, and other technology-facilitated forms of violence can be perpetrated without physically meeting the person. I will educate other women, especially young girls, on how to prevent such violence and where to report it.’