by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Flags off 2025 16 Days of Activism: A National Call to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls
FIDA Nigeria Flags off 2025 16 Days of Activism: A National Call to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls
FIDA Nigeria has officially launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, calling on Nigerians, institutions, policymakers, and digital platforms to unite in ending all forms of violence against women and girls—especially the fast-growing wave of online abuse.
At the flag-off ceremony, the Country Vice President (CVP) of FIDA Nigeria highlighted the persistent and devastating impact of gender-based violence, describing it as one of the world’s most pervasive human rights violations.
She stated:
“Violence against women is not a tragedy of a few; it is a wound on the conscience of humanity. Every time a woman is silenced or stripped of dignity, we lose a part of our collective humanity.”
For over sixty years, FIDA Nigeria has remained steadfast in defending the rights of women and children. Grounded in global frameworks such as CEDAW, the Beijing Declaration, and the Maputo Protocol, the organization continues to drive national advocacy, legal reform, and community empowerment.
Digital Violence: The New Frontline
The CVP noted that the landscape of violence is shifting, with abuse now transmitting through smartphones, social networks, messaging platforms, and digital communities. New forms of violations—cyberstalking, image-based abuse, online harassment, impersonation, and identity theft—are increasingly weaponized against women and girls.
Though virtual in form, she stressed, digital violence leaves real psychological, emotional, and social harm, often with long-term consequences.
“This year’s theme, ‘End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,’ calls for urgent action to confront and dismantle the escalating wave of online abuse,” she remarked.
Strengthening Legal and Social Response
Reaffirming FIDA’s commitment to justice, the CVP emphasized the need to reinforce the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the Cybercrimes Act 2015, ensuring that violations in digital spaces are fully addressed under the law.
Across all branches nationwide, FIDA Nigeria will intensify its interventions through:
- community engagements on digital safety
- sensitization campaigns in schools and youth centers
- media advocacy and public awareness
- legal assistance and counseling for survivors
- guidance on reporting mechanisms
- focused outreach to vulnerable and at-risk groups
“To every woman whose voice, image, or identity has been used to harm or silence her,” she affirmed, “you are not alone. Your truth matters. FIDA Nigeria stands with you.”
A National Call to Action
The CVP urged all stakeholders—government agencies, technology companies, civil society groups, community leaders, parents, and individuals—to take collective responsibility in ending both traditional and digital forms of violence.
She added:
“The time for silence is over; the call for action is now. When one woman’s voice is silenced, the world loses a verse in its song of progress.”
She officially declared the 2025 campaign open and encouraged all FIDA branches to drive the movement with renewed energy and determination over the next 16 days.
by FIDA16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE 2025
Theme: “UNiTE! Invest to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls”
Digital violence has become one of the fastest growing and most alarming forms of abuse in our society today. It mirrors, and too often magnifies, the deep rooted gender inequalities already entrenched in our communities. This must stop.
Every day, women and girls are confronted with relentless forms of online violence including:
A. Online Harassment: Unwanted messages that create discomfort or fear.
B. Cyberbullying: Repeated hurtful or demeaning messages.
C. Trolling: Inflammatory comments aimed at provoking or humiliating individuals.
D. Doxing: Sharing personal information without consent.
E. Image Based Abuse: Posting or distributing intimate images without permission.
F. Online Stalking: Unwanted monitoring of one’s online activities.
G. Hate Speech: Discriminatory or demeaning content targeting individuals or groups.
H. Impersonation: Fake accounts created to damage reputation.
I. Gaslighting: Manipulating individuals into doubting their reality.
J. Sextortion: Threatening to release explicit content unless demands are met.
FIDA Nigeria acknowledges that these forms of online violence leave deep psychological, emotional, and reputational scars. They also deprive women and girls of the learning, earning, and leadership opportunities that digital platforms provide.
The internet, once a space for innovation, connection, empowerment, and expression, is increasingly being weaponized against the most vulnerable. As a result, many women and girls retreat from digital spaces out of fear of harassment, identity theft, impersonation, blackmail, or malicious AI generated falsehoods about their lives. This withdrawal limits their access to the countless opportunities technology offers for growth and development.
In an age where technology should bridge gaps and create opportunities, Nigerian women and girls are still being pushed out of digital spaces by targeted abuse and harassment. This erosion of confidence and opportunity undermines their rights to free expression, privacy, safety, and participation, and stalls national efforts toward gender equality and inclusive development.
This crisis persists despite existing laws such as the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention etc Act 2015 and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015. Weak enforcement, anonymity of perpetrators, limited awareness, inadequate digital literacy, and insufficient accountability from tech platforms all contribute to impunity.
As we begin the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence with a focus on digital violence, FIDA Nigeria calls for immediate, united, and decisive action.
We urge government agencies, law enforcement, and policymakers to strengthen enforcement of relevant laws, adopt survivor centered approaches, and ensure swift prosecution of offenders.
We call on tech companies to assume greater responsibility by enforcing clear rules of engagement, removing harmful content promptly, and educating users on safety and reporting channels.
Equally important is sustained public awareness to promote digital literacy, responsible online conduct, and safety knowledge. Working collaboratively with development partners, we must create safe online spaces, empower survivors to speak out, and encourage timely reporting and access to justice.
Digital violence must never be trivialized or dismissed as free speech. It is violence, real and harmful, and must be treated as such. The safety of women and girls cannot end at the click of a button.
FIDA Nigeria insists that the digital world must uphold the same standards of dignity, privacy, respect, and protection that apply offline.
Let us UNiTE with collective resolve to end digital violence.
Signed:
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President and National President FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary and Editor in Chief
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Decries Persistent Abductions, Demands Comprehensive Strategy to End the Menace
As a nation, education must be guaranteed for every child, delivered in environments that are safe, nurturing, and peaceful, where care and protection are assured so that every child can grow and become their best.
We invest heavily in advocacy promoting education. Yet, when children finally make it into the classroom, what becomes of them?
Time and again, we are confronted with devastating news of attacks on schools and the abduction of students, particularly girls, leaving parents terrified and grieving while school authorities struggle to find effective measures to protect the children entrusted to them.
How many more children must be taken before the government adopts aggressive and proactive measures to end this menace?
The abduction of at least 25 girls in Kebbi State, alongside the cold-blooded killing of a vice principal and a security guard who bravely resisted, strikes at the very core of our humanity. We cannot remain unmoved. This tragedy inflicts a pain that words can scarcely describe.
Communities are deeply scarred, carrying the weight of repeated tragedies. Every new abduction reopens these wounds, leaving families in anguish and entire communities in despair.
A nation that cannot safeguard its children, especially its daughters, within their schools has failed in its most sacred duty.
The government’s foremost responsibility is to protect the lives and property of its citizens, yet the consequences of inaction continue to unfold as communities live in fear with no certainty, no protection, and no hope.
Today it is Kebbi; tomorrow it could be anywhere, closer to any of us. We cannot continue like this. We must rise, united and resolute, demanding immediate action, real accountability, and lasting security in all our communities.
Our children deserve to learn, to dream, and to grow without fear. The time for the government to act is NOW. Let us secure our communities.
FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns these heinous acts and calls on all relevant agencies to move swiftly and decisively to ensure justice and protection for our children. Let us restore safety in our schools and communities.
To the families currently grieving, our hearts are with you.
Act Now. Save Lives.
Signed
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President and National President
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary and Editor-in-Chief
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria, Epe Branch – Case UpdateDate: 12th November, 2025Case: State vs. Ediri Igbudu Melvin (Charge No: LD/24314C)Matter: A Case of Brutal Femicide
Today, the FIDA Nigeria Epe Branch once again appeared in court to represent the family of the late Thecla in pursuit of justice in this ongoing femicide case.
The court sat with both the Applicant’s and Defendant’s Counsel present. FIDA Nigeria was represented by Uchenna Ogwo Esq., Ejadairo Ekpo Esq., and Olorunkemi T. Eche-Olisenye Esq.
However, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who is a key witness, was absent, stalling the continuation of trial. The Court granted an adjournment and directed that the IPO must be present on the next date, 11th December 2025 at 12 noon, to give evidence.
The case has drawn significant public and media attention, with social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) also in attendance, showing support for the victim’s family.
FIDA Nigeria remains steadfast in standing against gender-based violence and ensuring justice for women and children.
FIDANigeria #FIDAepe #JusticeForEdiri #SayNoToFemicide #AccessToJustice #StopGenderBasedViolence #FIDAStandsForJustice
by FIDABuilding Safer Communities, Strengthening Voices Against GBV in Plateau State!
To deepen community accountability and promote a culture of zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV), FIDA Nigeria convened a two-day Shared Learning Forum for Local Gatekeepers on GBV Prevention in Plateau State from 29th–30th October 2025.
The forum brought together traditional rulers, faith leaders, government representatives, and community advocates who exchanged insights, reflected on local realities, and mapped out strategies to reinforce GBV prevention across Plateau communities.
At the close of discussions, participants made firm commitments through community action plans focused on:
✅ Expanding advocacy and awareness campaigns on key protection laws such as the VAPP Law (2022), Child Rights Law (2005), Penal Code (2017), and GEOLAW (2015).
✅ Reviewing and formulating community bye-laws in Jos North, Riyom, and Bokkos LGAs to improve enforcement.
✅ Holding sensitization meetings for youth groups, women fellowships, and faith-based institutions.
✅ Conducting advocacy visits to key religious leaders — including the Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, CAN leadership, and theological schools — to amplify GBV prevention messages.
These resolutions reflect a strong and united front in the fight against GBV — a step closer to ensuring that every woman and girl in Plateau State lives free from violence, discrimination, and fear.
FIDANigeria #EndGBV
by FIDAStrengthening Community Action Against GBV: FIDA Nigeria Convenes 2nd Shared Learning Forum in Ekiti State
In its continuous effort to curb Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advance gender justice, FIDA Nigeria convened the 2nd Shared Learning Forum in Ekiti State a strategic engagement under its Ford Foundation-supported GBV prevention programme.
The forum served as more than a meeting of minds; it was a powerful space for reflection, learning, and renewed commitment. Participants including state actors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers came together to assess progress, share insights, and deepen collective strategies for ending violence against women and girls.
Building on previous dialogues with cultural and traditional leaders, the session reinforced the importance of transforming entrenched social and cultural norms that fuel GBV. It also spotlighted the critical role of community gatekeepers as custodians of change, capable of inspiring a ripple effect of positive behavior and attitudes within their communities.
By sharing practical experiences and measurable progress, stakeholders renewed their pledge to uphold the principles of equality, dignity, and justice.
FIDA Nigeria remains confident that the outcomes of this shared learning engagement will inspire real change strengthening networks, catalyzing community-driven initiatives, and fostering environments where women and girls can live free from violence and fear.
by FIDATransforming Tradition into Tools for Justice: FIDA Nigeria Leads Engagement with Faith and Cultural Leaders
Through strategic engagement with traditional and religious leaders, FIDA Nigeria is transforming the same platforms that once silenced victims into powerful tools for justice and protection.
At a recent engagement in Ikeja, we emphasized that real change begins when faith, culture, and justice stand together — on the side of protection, equality, and respect for every woman and girl. The forum, supported by the Ford Foundation, focused on shifting harmful norms, strengthening partnerships, and mobilizing communities to take concrete action against violence.
FIDA Nigeria will not relent until every home becomes a place of safety, every community a defender of women’s rights, and every act of violence a thing of the past.
by FIDAInternational Day of the Girl Child 2025
Theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
The story of the Nigerian girl is no longer one of silence. It is a story of capacity, inner strength, resilience, courage and leadership.
She is not the future; she is the now, leading change, driving innovation, and turning moments of crisis into opportunities for protection and growth.
Across Nigeria, girls are proving that leadership has no age and resilience has no limit. From Amara Nwuneli, winner of the 2025 Earth Prize for Environmental Innovation for transforming a landfill in Lagos into a safe playground using recycled tires, to Mary Victor Zira, who is rebuilding hope for displaced children through education in conflict-affected areas of Borno State, and Akachukwu Blessed Nwachukwu and Ifunanya Gabriella Okoye, who founded local tech hubs to teach girls coding and digital creativity, these young change makers are redefining what it means to lead and FIDA celebrates them all with unknown names working silently in their communities.
This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” captures their essence: bold, visionary, and relentless even in the face of challenges and hardship. They rise from the ashes overcoming obstacles such as poverty, insecurity, and harmful traditions to champion causes that protect not just themselves but their communities.
Education remains their most powerful tool. It fuels innovation, breaks the chains of inequality, and gives girls a voice. Yet millions of Nigerian girls still face barriers such as early marriage, gender-based violence, and insecurity that threaten their dreams.
FIDA Nigeria believes that when a girl learns, she transforms her world. Her education is not a privilege; it is her Right!
We also recognize and commend the incredible work being done by organizations, agencies, groups, movements, and different initiatives across Nigeria that continue to empower girls by providing support and mentorship, safe spaces, enabling education, and carrying out advocacy opportunities that help them to survive, thrive and eventually lead.
At FIDA Nigeria, we identify with such groups and remain steadfast in defending the rights of girls through legal aid, advocacy, and community engagement. The rights of the Nigerian girl are protected under the Child Rights Act (2003), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), and global instruments such as CEDAW and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. However, just laws alone are not enough; they must be lived out in classrooms, communities, and every corner where girls still fight to be heard. We must adopt a multifaceted approach to support and empower the girl child to succeed.
We therefore call on all tiers of government, civil society, and communities to:
- Invest deliberately in girls’ education and leadership, ensuring no girl is left behind.
- Protect girls from all forms of violence and exploitation through stronger enforcement of protection laws.
- Create spaces for girls’ participation in decision making, from schools to national platforms.
We the Nigerian Girl continuing to rise like a hibiscus after the storm, innovating, rebuilding, and inspiring. She is not a footnote in Nigeria’s story; she is the Story.
We celebrate the Nigerian Girl Child!
When one girl leads, generations follow!!
For : FIDA Nigeria
Signed:
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President / National President
FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAA Trailblazer in Silk FIDA Nigeria Applauds Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN
FIDA Nigeria proudly celebrates Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, one of our own on her elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); a crowning achievement born of brilliance, resilience and unshakable dedication to the legal profession.
This milestone is far more than a personal triumph; it is a beacon of inspiration to women in law and beyond. It reaffirms that with courage, excellence and determination, women can shatter barriers and rise to the very pinnacle of the Bar, making history along the way.
As she steps into this new chapter, adorned in silk, we are confident that Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya will continue to embody the values of FIDA justice, service and dignity for women and children while blazing a trail for the next generation of female advocates.
FIDA Nigeria celebrates her as a trailblazer, a torchbearer and a shining example for all.
by FIDAFrom Call to Bar to Captivity: FIDA Nigeria Condemns Abduction of Barrister Peace Udoka Onyesom
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria condemns the abduction of Barrister Peace Udoka Onyesom and her sister on September 27, 2025, along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.
Barrister Onyesom, who was recently called to the Bar, was traveling to Benin, Edo State, when she and her sister were seized. Reports say their captors demand ₦20 million ransom, a cruel blow to her family, friends, and the legal community.
FIDA Nigeria demands:
- Immediate rescue by security agencies to ensure their safe return.
- Support for the family, including psychological and moral assistance.
- Stronger highway security, declaring a state of emergency on road safety.
- Justice, with perpetrators investigated and prosecuted.
Barrister Onyesom symbolizes the hopes of young Nigerian women pursuing law with dignity and courage. Her abduction is a painful reminder of the insecurity citizens face daily.
FIDA Nigeria stands firmly with her family and calls on authorities and all Nigerians to act until the sisters are safely reunited with their loved ones.
Signed,
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President, FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria
