The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kwara Chapter, has urged Nigerians to report any form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and technology-assisted violence to the nearest authorities.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Mrs. Bashirat Ayantola, made the appeal on Thursday in Ilorin during a one-day sensitization programme held at St. Anthony Junior Secondary School to mark the 16 Days of Activism to End GBV.
The theme of the 2025 campaign is “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls refers to acts committed, assisted, aggravated, or amplified through information and communication technologies or other digital tools. Experts note that 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 globally.
Addressing the students, Ayantola urged them to speak out whenever they notice signs of GBV in themselves or others. She condemned all forms of GBV and stressed the need for collective action to eliminate the menace.
She also advised victims to promptly report any case of violence to appropriate authorities, noting that offenders could face up to 20 years’ imprisonment if found guilty, which she said would deter others.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Binta Mora, advised students to look out for red flags such as unusual laughter, inappropriate jokes, and unpleasant comments. She urged them to remain vigilant to avoid dangers from both close relatives and strangers.
“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 drivers of digital violence. They called for stronger policies and laws to protect the rights of women and girls.
