The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kwara Chapter, has urged Nigerians to report any form of perceived Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and technology-assisted violence to the nearest authorities.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Bashirat Ayantola, made the call on Thursday in Ilorin while speaking at a one-day sensitisation programme marking the 16 Days of Activism to End GBV in Nigeria, at St. Anthony Junior Secondary School.
The theme of the 2025 campaign is “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that technology-facilitated violence against women and girls refers to acts that are committed, assisted, aggravated, or amplified through information and communication technologies or other digital tools.
This form of violence often extends beyond screens and borders, making it difficult for many girls and women to feel safe at home, work, or in public spaces.
The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign led by the United Nations to challenge violence against women and girls worldwide.
While addressing the students, Ayantola advised them to speak out whenever they identified signs of GBV in themselves or others.
She condemned all forms of GBV and emphasised the need for collective action to end the menace.
According to her, victims should promptly report any case of violence to the appropriate authorities, adding that offenders, if found guilty, could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, which would serve as a deterrent to others.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Hajia Binta Mora, advised students to watch out for red flags such as unusual laughter, inappropriate jokes, and unpleasant comments.
She urged them to remain alert to avert dangers from both close relatives and outsiders.
“You must be careful and watch out for red flags at all times in order to stay safe,” Mora warned.
Other speakers at the event identified cyberbullying and harmful AI-generated content as major contributors to digital violence.
They called for stronger policies and laws to protect the rights of women and girls in society.
NAN)
