By Uche Chukwu, Awka.
Anambra State Chapter of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has kick-started the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (GBV), with stakeholders throwing their weight behind the enactment of Cybercrime Act 2025 which criminalizes digital abuses violence
Speaking on the 2025 edition of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in Awka, the State capital, yesterday,, the Headline Sponsor and Chairman of Mate Associated Industries Limited, Sir Ikem Osanakpo described the theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” as apt, charging NAWOJ to lead the fight.
He listed digital violence to include online threats, sexual harassment, creating and/or sharing digitally- manipulated images, videos or audios, revenge/leaked pornos or sharing of inappropriate/intimate images without consent, cyber bullying, trolling,, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation on social media handles, online stalking or surveillance or /tracking to monitor someone’s activities and online impersonation.
Osanakpo who was represented by the sponsor-organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Sir Enebeli Osanakpo revealed that the firm’s desire for partnership stemmed from its belief in providing a multi-sectoral forum of social, governmental and private sectors for learning and sharing information on this year’s campaigns and supporting NAWOJ’s local efforts that support survivors of gender-based violence, He equally hinted that the organisation’s involvement would encourage adoption of better laws and policies for safe digital eco-system, participation in digital safety events and give voice to male (He4She) advocates whose supportive campaigns are opposed to digital violence against women and girls.
Addressing the audience , the Chairperson of NAWOJ, said the event preceded the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against GBV from 25th November (Elimination of GBV) to 10th December (Human Rights Day,) and was aimed to encourage women and girls to speak out, stand up and take action to stop digital abuses against them.
Ifejika pointed out that the members of NAWOJ took time to create awareness by embarking on the roadshow Walk from the State Police Command, through Eke Awka Main Market to Aroma, condemning observing women and girls are facing digital, psychological , emotional, verbal, physical and emotional violence.
She disclosed that some women and girls are trapped into some forms of toxic relationships in which they chose to remain quietly in the face of abuses due to societal stigma, advising: “When you see something wrong, say something; when things aren’t working fine, instead of getting violently abused and harmed in a toxic relationship, take a walk.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Organising Committee Chairperson, Rotarian Oby Arinze said: “Today, we stand united with a shared purpose: to confront, challenge, and ultimately end gender-based violence in all its forms. Your presence here is a powerful statement that together, we refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.
According to her, NAWOJ is committed to building a society where safety, dignity, and equality are guaranteed for every woman, girl, man, and boy. Gender-based violence does not discriminate; it affects families, communities, and the very fabric of our nation. This is why our collective effort is not only necessary but urgent.
“Today’s programme has been carefully designed to educate, empower, and inspire action. We will hear from experts, survivors, advocates, and key stakeholders whose voices and experiences will deepen our understanding.
NAWOJ, as an influential body of women in the media, has taken it upon itself not only to report the stories, but also to shape the narrative, ensuring that awareness leads to advocacy, and advocacy leads to meaningful change.
“… Let us lend our voices to the fight against gender-based violence. .., let the programme mark the beginning of stronger advocacy, deeper collaboration, and sustained action.
“Together, let us build a world where everyone can live free from fear, free from violence, and free to fulfill their potential.”
In her remarks, the State FIDA Chairperson, Amara Mojekwu pointed out that the digital violence which takes place online has been taken care of by the Cybercrime Act,2025 which criminalizes such abused by an imposition of two years imprisonment including touching without.
Mojekwu assured of disposition of her association to render pro-bono services for willing victims, calling for empowerment of women to become co-bread winner and overcome certain abuses, even as she advised women and girls not to get depressed, but to sit up when they face humiliation or violence from toxic men and boys.
Contributing, the member of House of Assembly for Onitsha North 1 State Constituency, Hon. Mimiy Azikiwe who lauded the vista of opportunities created by digital space, but decried it hasn’t become a safe place for women and girls in the context of cyber bullying, stalking and trolling especially in Africa and India. . Azikiwe while appreciating existence of federal and state laws against GBV, regretted that a lot of people are ignorant of them and called for a more sensitisation and enactment of stringent laws and to protect the female gender from violence.
In her remarks, a Special Discussant, and First Female Mass Communication Professor in Africa sub-region, Professor Stella Okunna noted that the event by NAWOJ as a body of female media practitioners would afford the opportunity to amplify to their voices, raise awareness, and take collective action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
To eliminate digital violence against women and girls, Okunna called on the citizenry to take advantage of the Cybercrime Act 2025 which provides for punishments against online stalking and other forms of bullying. The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul’s University Awka explained that this year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality.
Also, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Nkechi Chuna-Udeh and her counterpart in the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Hon. Ify Obinabo contended that many people see GBV as anti-women and girls, noting it affects both male and female and faulting perpetration on each of the parties.
