The Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC) has called on community members and traditional leaders in Kpegyeyi, Abuja, to strengthen male allyship in preventing digital violence and protecting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The appeal was made during a press conference and community sensitization held on Sunday, as part of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
Mrs. Christina Uzo-Okamgba, TEC Founder and Executive Director, emphasized the urgent need for male engagement and collective action to prevent technology-facilitated abuse. She warned that digital violence, including cyberbullying, sextortion, online blackmail, and circulation of harmful content, has contributed to broken homes, destroyed reputations, and silenced ambitions.
“Kpegyeyi will not tolerate any form of digital violence against women and girls under our watch,” she declared.
Mr. Gabriel Onyali, AMAC Protection Officer with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), noted that traditional forms of abuse, such as domestic violence and rape, are increasingly facilitated through digital platforms. He cited cyberstalking, online harassment, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images as offences under the Cybercrime Act 2015 (reviewed in 2024), punishable by up to five years imprisonment and fines.
“Community sensitisation and promoting responsible digital behavior among young people, especially boys, are key strategies to end GBV. NAPTIP’s mandate includes preventing, investigating, and prosecuting sexual and gender-based crimes, and providing protection and rehabilitation for victims,” Onyali said.
Representatives of women-focused organizations also spoke at the event. Mrs. Deborah Life-Alegbemi of Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS) FCT chapter highlighted the prevalence of digital threats, coercion, and blackmail targeting women and girls, urging men to become active peace promoters and allies in their communities.
Irene Igomu of the Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI) called for reforms in school curricula to eliminate gender stereotypes, teacher training for inclusive learning, and social media education for influences to promote digital safety.
Mrs. Lois Auta, Founder of the Network of Women with Disabilities, highlighted the heightened vulnerabilities of women with disabilities and called for strict sanctions against perpetrators, survivor-friendly support systems, and the establishment of a trust fund for survivors.
Ms. Gladys Emmanuel, TEC’s Advocacy Officer and In-house Counsel, emphasized the organizations rights-based, survivor-centred approach. She said survivors guide decisions on referrals, police engagement, and other interventions. TEC provides psychosocial support, legal counsel, and education through its Girls Vanguard Project, which equips young girls with knowledge on human rights, digital literacy, and sexual and reproductive health rights.
During the interactive session, participants explored ways to strengthen male allyship, focusing on education, awareness creation, policy reforms, strict legal enforcement, and community-driven accountability. They also advocated for supportive environments for survivors, timely case handling, protection orders, and procedural transparency.
Joseph Afbawaje, ESU of Kpegyeyi, commended the organizations and assured his commitment to promoting respect, equality, and a culture that rejects all forms of violence.
Activities concluded with the signing of the Male Allyship Pledge, committing participants to challenge harmful norms, support survivors, combat online abuse, and promote safe digital practices within homes and communities.
