By Peter Dansu The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Badagry Branch, Lady Edith Uduji, has called for a f...
By Peter Dansu
She raised the alarm over the weekend, warning that online abuse has become one of the fastest-growing and most damaging forms of gender-based violence in Nigeria and across the world.
Speaking at an event in Lagos to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Uduji said digital platforms, despite their power to educate and connect people, are increasingly turning into spaces where many women and girls face fear, harassment, intimidation and emotional harm.
She stressed that digital violence is real and rising at an alarming rate, adding that it destroys dignity, suppresses voices and must never be ignored.
Uduji pointed out that women from all walks of life—politicians, journalists, career women, widows, housewives and young girls—are often targeted with hate speech, impersonation, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, doxxing and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content.
She explained that online abuse is rooted in social inequality and deepens existing power imbalances, ultimately limiting women’s ability to participate fully in public and private life.
While commending the Cybercrimes Act of 2024, especially Sections 24 to 27, she said enforcing the law remains difficult because many minors, parents, teachers and even security agencies are not adequately aware of its provisions.
She added that the borderless nature of the internet also complicates prosecution, as many offenders hide behind anonymity.
According to her, everyone has the right to an opinion, but there must be a clear understanding of when boundaries are crossed. She reminded the public that freedom of expression does not permit the humiliation or violation of another person’s privacy.
Uduji outlined several recommendations to curb digital violence, including ensuring victims can seek justice without fear, compelling digital platforms to remove harmful content immediately, encouraging survivors to speak up and get psychological support, integrating digital safety into school lessons, strengthening reporting systems and promoting collaboration among FIDA, law enforcement agencies, IT experts and other stakeholders.
She emphasised that safeguarding women and girls online is critical to national development and the safety of the digital space.
Digital violence, she said, robs victims of dignity and silences their voices, and society must have zero tolerance for such abuse.
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