Concerns have been expressed by the Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI) on the increase of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Nigeria. The serious effects on victims—mostly women—who experience psychological trauma, damage to their reputations, and financial losses were underlined by Executive Director Nafisat Bakare. TFGBV encompasses doxxing, online harassment, cyberstalking, and the unconsented distribution of private photos made possible by digital media. Implementation varies even with legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
Current Legislation does not adequately address the problems caused by misuse of technology. Additional obstacles to justice include shame, antiquated internet laws, a lack of training for law enforcement, and rural women’s limited access to information. The lack of statistics on TFGBV in Nigeria was brought to light by Ms. Bakare, who urged localised research to inform victim support, public awareness initiatives, and policy decisions. In order to ensure successful intervention, she suggested a multi-stakeholder strategy that includes the public, Technology corporations, civil society, and the ministry.
Many women in Nigeria are victims of various types of online harassment.
Law enforcement training, universal acceptance of the VAPP Act, updating existing legislation, enhancing online safety measures, and increasing access to legal assistance and counselling are some of the suggested actions. Many Women in Nigeria are victims of various types of online harassment, making technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) a serious problem. For example, a coordinated online attack in December 2024 targeted a number of Nigerian feminists, distributing intimate photographs and personal information without consent, causing mental distress and public humiliation.
It is concerning how common TFGBV is throughout the world. Every 30 seconds, a woman around the world receives a poison tweet, with women of colour being disproportionately targeted, according to a report by Amnesty International. Digital Security is an issue in Africa, where 51.6% of women report having either witnessed or experienced online assault. Although the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act was passed in 2015, Nigerians have not all embraced it equally. The Act had only been domesticated in 19 of the 36 states as of August 2024.
Companies in the technology sector are essential in combating TFGBV.
Misunderstandings of religious ideas, cultural views, and a lack of political will are some of the obstacles preventing broad adoption. The VAPP Act is also seen as superfluous by other states, which would rather rely on current legislation. Companies in the technology sector are essential in combating TFGBV. Initiatives like UNFPA’s Bodyright Campaign, which was introduced in June 2023, work with internet companies in Nigeria to prioritise digital rights and shield consumers from harm when they are online. Platforms are urged by the campaign to put safety precautions in place and handle abuse allegations swiftly.
To address TFGBV, a number of effective measures have been put into place internationally. For instance, the “Keeping Women Safe Online” initiative in Kenya offers materials and training in Digital Literacy to assist women in identifying and reacting to online harassment. In a similar vein, Australia’s “eSafety Women” program provides resources and assistance to empower women who are being abused through technology. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary to effectively combat TFGBV in Nigeria. In addition to amending current laws to handle the particular difficulties presented by technology-enabled abuse, the government should guarantee the VAPP Act’s nationwide adoption and enforcement.
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Specialised training is necessary for law enforcement authorities to effectively manage TFGBV cases. Effective content filtering and clear reporting procedures are essential for technology businesses to establish safer online environments. Civil Society organisations must to work together to offer victims easily available support services, such as legal assistance and counselling. In order to inform people about their digital rights and the resources at their disposal, public awareness campaigns are essential. By working together, these steps can make the internet a safer place for all Nigerians.