Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged government institutions, tech companies, civil society groups, and citizens to unite in tackling the growing wave of digital violence targeting women and girls.
In a message marking the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, commemorated globally on November 25, the First Lady warned that online abuse has become a dangerous extension of gender-based violence.
This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” shines a spotlight on rising threats such as cyberbullying, blackmail, stalking, and gender-based hate.
Senator Tinubu noted that digital platforms—created to enhance learning, connection, and productivity—are increasingly being weaponized against women and girls.
“Digital spaces should foster genuine human connection, facilitate learning, and promote productivity, not fear,” she said. “I call on government institutions, especially the legislature and the judiciary, technology companies, civil society, and every Nigerian to take bold action to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful for all.”
She emphasized that the forms of harassment women face online are often invisible yet deeply harmful, warning that ignoring them allows a dangerous culture to grow unchecked.
Expressing solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence nationwide, the First Lady described any form of abuse—offline or online—as an attack on the dignity, safety, and potential of women and girls.
She called for stronger advocacy, improved legal protections, and greater institutional accountability to curb both physical and digital forms of gender-based violence.
Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to championing the rights and well-being of Nigerian women and girls, urging Nigerians to reflect and renew efforts toward eliminating all forms of violence against women.
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