ActionAid has urged governments, civil society, the private sector, media, development partners, and community leaders to intensify efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), made the call at the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) held on Friday in Abuja.
The dialogue, convened by the Development Partners Group on Gender (DPGG) in collaboration with other stakeholders, was part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism.
Mamedu said, “Let us resource and advance the aspirations of the DPGG Gender Strategy and work together to build digital-safe spaces where women and girls can thrive without fear. Let 2025 be a turning point—a year of stronger collaboration, solidarity, and decisive action to end GBV in Nigeria.”
He assured that ActionAid’s commitment to ending all forms of GBV, including TF-GBV, remains firm. The organization works in communities to challenge harmful norms, support survivors, strengthen access to justice, engage men and boys, and build the capacity of women-led organizations.
Mamedu highlighted the dual nature of digital platforms, noting that while they provide opportunities, they also pose risks. He reaffirmed ActionAid’s dedication to ensuring technology empowers rather than harms women and girls.
He also praised the DPGG for its role in advancing gender equality in Nigeria. “Its mission and efforts continue to guide coordination, policy influence, institutional strengthening, and accountability across the country. Its strategic roadmap is vital for aligning partners, government, and civil society toward eliminating GBV and promoting gender equality,” he said.
Niri Goyit, Women’s Rights Programme Specialist at AAN, defined TF-GBV as acts of GBV that are committed, assisted, amplified, or aggravated, in whole or in part, through digital technologies and communication.
In a technical presentation, Goyit listed types of TF-GBV, including impersonation, image-based abuse, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, doxxing, sextortion, deepfakes, and cyber flashing.
She noted that between 16 and 58 per cent of women globally have faced some form of TF-GBV, with 45 per cent experiencing cyberstalking, particularly women in public roles. “Nigeria’s internet adoption has grown faster than the safeguards needed to protect users. Survivors as young as 14 are now seeking help,” Goyit added.
