by FIDALeading with Purpose: FIDA Nigeria Strengthens Ethical Leadership Across Five Training Hubs
Leading with Purpose: FIDA Nigeria Strengthens Ethical Leadership Across Five Training Hubs
Leadership is not only about holding a position—it is about holding a purpose.
In a time when institutions are increasingly tested by shifting realities, public expectations, and evolving social challenges, FIDA Nigeria continues to demonstrate that strong organizations are built by leaders who are ethical, resilient, and intentional. It was in this spirit that the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) successfully convened its Annual Zonal Leadership Training themed “Leading with Purpose: Building Ethical, Resilient and Influential Leaders for Sustainable Impact.”
To ensure inclusion, accessibility, and robust participation, the leadership training was conducted across five strategic locations, bringing members together within their respective zones for an intensive learning and leadership-building experience. The training locations were Owerri (Imo State), Asaba (Delta State), Oshogbo (Osun State), Yola (Adamawa State), and Kaduna (Kaduna State). The programme took place within the period of Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th February, 2026, with structured arrival and onboarding on the first day, two days of intensive training sessions, and departures on the final day.
Across all training hubs, sessions commenced with formal opening procedures including the rendition of the National Anthem, FIDA Anthem, and Women’s Anthem, followed by welcome remarks, introductions, and guidance on training expectations. A key strength of the programme was its deliberate focus on measurable outcomes. Participants completed pre-evaluation and post-evaluation assessments, reinforcing FIDA Nigeria’s commitment to continuous learning, accountability, and evidence-based capacity development.
The training was delivered through a structured blend of expert presentations, scenario-based learning, interactive discussions, and group work exercises. This approach ensured that participants not only gained knowledge but also developed the confidence and clarity required to apply leadership principles directly within branch operations. Participants were trained on managing change and strengthening organizational development as leaders, while also deepening their understanding of attaining FIDA’s objectives through legal frameworks such as litigation, mediation, advocacy, sensitization, law review, and reform.
The programme further strengthened participants’ capacity in operational effectiveness, with sessions focused on practical tools for achieving FIDA Nigeria’s mandate, including office systems, personnel management, resource coordination, digital platforms, and IT. Participants also engaged in discussions on FIDA Nigeria’s core values and financial ethics, highlighting the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in leadership and branch administration.
In addition, the training provided strong learning on leadership resilience, creative thinking, innovation, and the role of empathy in strengthening influence and team performance. Sessions also addressed communication as a critical leadership tool, as well as succession planning to ensure continuity, stability, and sustained impact within branches.
Beyond the classroom, the leadership training created room for deeper connection and collaboration. Participants across locations engaged in wellness activities such as aerobics, networking opportunities, and shared reflections, strengthening unity and reinforcing the collective commitment that drives FIDA Nigeria’s work nationwide.
FIDA Nigeria’s Annual Zonal Leadership Training 2026 stands as a reaffirmation of the organization’s commitment to building leaders who are principled, prepared, and purpose-driven. By strengthening leadership capacity across the zones, FIDA Nigeria continues to invest in the people who carry the organization’s mission forward—leaders who can uphold ethical standards, respond to challenges with resilience, and deliver sustainable impact within communities.
Because when leaders lead with purpose, impact is not only possible—it becomes inevitable.
GALLERY
FIDA Nigeria Southwest leadership training hosted by Osun state branch.
FIDA Nigeria North central/North west leadership training hosted by Kaduna State branch
FIDA Nigeria South-South leadership training hosted by Delta State branch
FIDA Nigeria Southeast leadership training hosted by Anambra State Branch 
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Joins Civil Society Situation Room and Other Stakeholders in Urgent Call for Immediate Passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025
1.0 Introduction
The credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections is already under threat — not from voters, not from INEC, but from legislative delay.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) expresses deep concern and strong dismay over the continued delay by the National Assembly, particularly the Nigerian Senate, in concluding the legislative process on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, despite its passage by the Federal House of Representatives.
This delay is not only unjustifiable, but also dangerous. It undermines early and lawful preparations by Nigerians—especially women—who are already working assiduously to participate, contest, and represent their constituencies in the 2027 General Elections.
FIDA Nigeria reiterates that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 is designed to introduce critical reforms and provide clarity on ambiguities that have continued to plague Nigeria’s electoral process. Its passage will help prevent conflicting interpretations and inconsistent application of rules governing voter accreditation, result transmission, and collation procedures.
The Bill also seeks to address major deficiencies observed in recent elections, including clearer legal backing for electronic transmission of results, provisions for early voting, and tougher sanctions for electoral offences. Electoral integrity will therefore suffer significantly if this Bill is not passed timeously.
FIDA Nigeria recalls that the Federal House of Representatives completed legislative action on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, passing it on 23 December 2025 after extensive deliberations. In contrast, the Senate has yet to discharge its constitutional responsibility on this priority legislation, despite public commitments made by the Joint Committees on Electoral Matters of both chambers to ensure passage of the Bill before the end of the year.
One of the most significant innovations contained in the Bill is the provision for electronic transmission of election results. This provision gives legal backing for electronic transmission of results to the INEC Election Results Viewing Portal (IREV), while still maintaining the manual process—ensuring both processes run concurrently.
If passed, this provision could significantly reduce result manipulation at polling units and during collation. It further gives legal weight to result sheets uploaded on INEC’s portal, making them credible evidence for confirming votes scored by parties or exposing electoral malpractice.
FIDA Nigeria notes that the issues addressed in the Bill are neither novel nor unforeseen. Both chambers of the 10th National Assembly identified electoral reform as a core legislative priority. The continued failure of the Senate to conclude work on a Bill already passed by the House of Representatives reflects poor legislative coordination, weak prioritization, and a troubling disregard for the democratic yearnings of Nigerian citizens—particularly Nigerian women.
2.0 Call to Action
In view of the foregoing, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) demands as follows:
A. That the Nigerian Senate concludes work on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 with urgency upon resumption and passes the Bill without further delay.
B. That upon passage, the Bill is transmitted immediately to the President for assent, so the revised legal framework is in force well ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
3.0 Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and other credible civil society actors, will continue to demand the immediate passage and assent of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Nigeria cannot afford further slippage. Any additional delay threatens the integrity of the entire 2027 election cycle and weakens public confidence in democratic governance.
The Senate must act—urgently, responsibly, and in the national interest.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless FIDA Nigeria.
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President / National President
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria’s Statement on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 2026
Towards 2030: No End to FGM without Sustained Commitment and Investment
“Every girl subjected to Female Genital Mutilation is silenced, violated, and robbed of her childhood. Yet, the law remains on paper, and tradition continues to shield those who harm. Many girls grow up, become mothers, and even unknowingly perpetuate this harm on the next generation. As 2030 approaches, the question is not whether FGM can end it is whether we, as a society, have the courage to act. Change must start with us. Girls cannot wait. Justice cannot wait. Commitment must no longer be words; it must be action.”
Nigeria has made notable progress through the enactment of laws prohibiting FGM, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) 2015 at the federal level, alongside state-specific anti-FGM laws in Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and several other states. Relevant policies aimed at prevention, protection, and response are in place, and sensitization and advocacy efforts have grown stronger over the years.
Yet, FGM persists often hidden, normalized, and largely unpunished. It is within this troubling gap between law and practice that society continues to fail girls, who suffer in silence despite the existence of protective frameworks.
The Pain Behind the Promise of Protection
Behind every law, every policy, and every statistic is a girl whose childhood was interrupted—and whose voice was ignored.
In a small community in Osun State, Morounkeji was eight years old when she was woken before dawn and told to follow her aunt. She trusted the adults around her. She did not understand why everyone kept saying, “Be strong.” After that day, she stopped laughing the way she used to. She avoided questions. When she cried at night, she was told not to speak of it “It has been done.” The law existed. Protection existed on paper. But no one came for Morounkeji. Silence became her shield, and her prison.
In Imo State, Chiamaka is now a young woman, but parts of her are still stuck in that moment she was never allowed to question. “They said it was for my good,” she says quietly, “so I learned to believe my pain did not matter.” She grew up knowing something was taken from her without her consent, without explanation, without justice. Even today, she speaks carefully, because survivors are often taught that remembering is dangerous and speaking is disobedience.
These are not isolated stories. They are repeated across communities where FGM is hidden behind tradition and protected by fear. They are reminders that when enforcement is weak, the law abandons the very girls it was meant to protect. Every unpunished act of FGM is a betrayal of trust. Every survivor forced into silence is evidence of justice delayed—and denied.
FGM continues because silence protects perpetrators and weak enforcement weakens the law. Every unpunished act represents a failure of justice. Every untold story of suffering is evidence that society has not yet done enough.
FGM is a crime. It is not culture. It is not tradition. It is harm. Human rights are non-negotiable, and no custom can justify violence against girls.
Every girl deserves protection.
Every survivor deserves justice.
Every community must stand firmly against this abuse.
On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, FIDA Nigeria declares: we will not remain silent. We will not allow tradition to shield abuse, nor silence to protect perpetrators. We reject complacency and empty promises. We choose action.
Ending FGM is not a distant hope it is a legal, moral, and societal obligation demanding relentless effort, strategic investment, and unwavering courage.
To achieve zero FGM by 2030, FIDA Nigeria calls for sustained investment in the following areas:
• Target gatekeepers and enforcers of harmful practices: Traditional and community influencers must be actively engaged and held accountable to abandon and denounce FGM.
• Invest in prevention: Strengthen community-led education and awareness programmes that challenge harmful norms, engage traditional and religious leaders, and reach families before harm occurs.
• Invest in girls: Equip girls with information, amplify their voices, protect their bodily autonomy, and safeguard their right to make informed decisions about their health and futures.
• Invest in survivors: Provide comprehensive medical, psychosocial, and legal support. Survival must never mean enduring pain in silence.
• Invest in the law: Ensure full enforcement of existing legislation, prosecution of offenders, and access to justice for survivors.
Zero tolerance must become reality, not rhetoric action starts now.
FIDA Nigeria remains steadfast in using the law, advocacy, and strategic partnerships to protect every girl and woman from FGM until zero tolerance truly means zero cases.
#Invest2EndFGM | #EndFGM
Signed
FIDA Nigeria
by FIDAVacancy Announcement: Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Intern
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a leading women’s rights organization committed to promoting, protecting, and advancing the rights of women and children through legal aid, advocacy, capacity building and strategic partnerships.
As part of its commitment to strengthening accountability, learning and results-based programming, FIDA Nigeria invites applications from motivated young professionals to fill the position of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Intern.
Location
National Secretariat, Abuja
Internship Duration
1year (with possibility of extension based on performance)
Stipend
Monthly stipend provided to cover transportation
Reporting Line
The M&E Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Impact Assessment Officer and the Senior Manager, Programs and Parnership
Key Responsibilities
- Support routine monitoring and tracking of project activities against approved work plans and outcome indicators.
- Collect, organise and maintain accurate Means of Verification (MoV) for project activities.
- Assist in identifying implementation challenges and documenting improvement actions.
- Contribute to evidence-based reports and internal project documentation.
- Compile data and basic statistical summaries for monthly, quarterly, and donor reports.
- Participate in data collection, collation, validation, and review exercises.
- Support reviews of branch quarterly reports under supervision.
- Document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
- Assist in developing and refining monitoring tools, templates, and procedures.
- Support basic data analysis and results framework development.
- Participate in project review meetings, learning sessions, and workshops.
- Perform any other duties assigned by relevant supervisors.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recent graduate in social sciences, statistics, development studies, monitoring and evaluation, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated interest in human rights, gender justice and development work.
• Basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation concepts.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Willingness to learn and work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Application Deadline
Monday 16th February, 2026
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter demonstrating their interest and suitability for the role with position as subject title to hr@fida.org.ng. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
by FIDAVACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: FINANCE OFFICER
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: FINANCE OFFICER
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization committed to the promotion and protection of the rights of women and children through legal aid, advocacy, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.
In line with its commitment to sound financial management, transparency, and donor accountability, FIDA Nigeria invites applications from suitably qualified and motivated candidates to fill the position of Finance Officer.
Location
National Secretariat, Abuja
Reporting Line
The Finance Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Finance Manager and provide support to the Finance Department.
Key Responsibilities
- Accounting & Financial Records
- Assist in the preparation and maintenance of financial records, ledgers, and reports.
- Post daily financial transactions into accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks and Excel-based systems).
- Maintain proper filing and documentation of vouchers, receipts, and payment evidence.
- Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Process invoices, payment requests, and staff reimbursements in line with approval protocols.
- Support reconciliation of supplier statements and outstanding payables.
- Accurately record donor receipts and other income.
- Bank & Cash Management
- Prepare and post bank and cash payment vouchers.
- Support monthly bank reconciliations and cash counts.
- Ensure compliance with cash handling and expense approval procedures.
- Payroll & Statutory Compliance
- Assist with payroll preparation and ensure timely remittance of statutory deductions (PAYE, Pension, etc.)
- Maintain employee financial records and ensure confidentiality.
- Budgeting & Reporting
- Support the preparation of monthly budget monitoring reports.
- Assist in donor project financial reporting and expenditure tracking.
- Identify and report budget variances to the Finance Manager.
- Audit & Compliance
- Support internal and external audit exercises by providing required schedules and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with organizational and donor financial policies and procedures.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recent graduate or final-year student in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
- Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; knowledge of QuickBooks is an added advantage.
- High level of integrity, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
- Interest in non-profit finance, development work, and gender justice.
Application Deadline
Monday 16th February, 2026
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a CV and a brief cover letter demonstrating their interest and suitability for the role with position as subject title to hr@fida.org.ng Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
by FIDAFIDA Nigeria 2026 National Executive and Staff Retreat: Building Momentum for Inclusive Justice Through Strategic Reflection and Planning
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” To this end, leaders and staff of FIDA Nigeria came together to reflect, assess, and chart the path forward for justice for vulnerable groups.
The two-day Retreat convened national leadership, management, and staff under the theme:
“Advancing Inclusive Justice Systems for Women and Children in Nigeria through Access to Justice and Effective Legal Protection.”
Day One focused on reviewing 2025 performance across programmes, operations, finance, communications, and legal services. The session was strengthened by the physical presence of the Country Vice President, Mrs. Eliana Martins; Past Country Vice President (Emerita), Mrs. Amina Suzanah Agbaje; and the National Secretary, Mrs. Rekia Rachael Adejo-Andrew, while other members of the National Executive Committee joined virtually—demonstrating their commitment and strong leadership engagement.
Teams reflected on achievements, challenges, and lessons across access to justice initiatives, survivor support, advocacy, partnerships, and institutional systems. The day concluded with a SWOT analysis, sharpening priorities around coordination, sustainability, and impact.
We laid a strong foundation for evidence-based, practical planning initiatives.
by FIDADENUNCIATION OF THE BARBARIC ATTACK ON 15-YEAR-OLD ENDURANCE SABON
THE EVIL OF FORCED MARRIAGE, AND ALL FORMS OF ABUSE AGAINST CHILDREN
“When a child’s innocence is violated, humanity itself is under attack.”
DENUNCIATION OF THE BARBARIC ATTACK ON 15-YEAR-OLD ENDURANCE SABON
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria expresses its profound outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the barbaric attack on 15-year-old Endurance Sabon in Goska Community, Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
For Endurance, it was reported that simply because her family refused to consent and subject her to a forced marriage, she was brutally mutilated and her hand amputated.
This act constitutes a grotesque assault on childhood, dignity, and integrity. It is criminal, inhuman, and morally indefensible. To punish a child with mutilation for resisting forced marriage is the epitome of cruelty—a betrayal of every principle of justice, law, and human decency.
FORCED MARRIAGE IS VIOLENCE
FIDA Nigeria unequivocally states that forced marriage is a grave form of violence against children. It strips girls of education, health, autonomy, and the right to choose their own future. When a child’s resistance is met with terror and mutilation, it exposes a dangerous and dehumanizing belief that girls are property rather than human beings—a belief that must be totally rejected by society and swiftly punished by law.
A BREACH OF LAW AND CONSCIENCE
The attack on Endurance Sabon is a flagrant violation of Nigerian law and the conscience of humanity. It contravenes the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
No custom, religion, or tradition grants any individual or group the right to maim a child. Practices that rely on violence to sustain them are not only unlawful—they are morally bankrupt.
DENUNCIATION OF INSECURITY AND IMPUNITY
This atrocity underscores the persistent insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna. When armed actors can threaten families, abduct children, and mutilate them with impunity, it reflects a dangerous breakdown of protection systems and emboldens further crimes against the most vulnerable.
CALL TO CONSCIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY
FIDA Nigeria calls on the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government, as well as all relevant security agencies, to urgently strengthen protection measures in Goska Community and other vulnerable areas. The State bears a non-negotiable duty to safeguard children and to ensure that all perpetrators and accomplices are promptly investigated, prosecuted, and punished.
We further call on traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, and community gatekeepers to speak out decisively against forced marriage and all forms of violence against children. Silence in the face of such cruelty amounts to complicity.
CALL FOR SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT
Beyond justice, healing and restoration are imperative. FIDA Nigeria calls on Civil Society Organizations, philanthropic institutions, development partners, and compassionate individuals to rally around Endurance Sabon and her family, as well as other courageous children and families facing similar ordeals. Survivors of violence must be supported to heal, rebuild, and grow into the best versions of themselves—regardless of the trauma they have endured. No child’s future should be defined or limited by violence inflicted upon them.
ADDRESSING ABUSE WITHIN CARE INSTITUTIONS
In a separate but equally disturbing development, FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns the wicked and heinous act allegedly perpetrated by the Matron of the Yola Children’s Home against children entrusted to her care and protection. This incident is particularly painful, given the trust placed in individuals and institutions mandated to protect vulnerable children. The protection of children is paramount, regardless of any situation.
We abhor the transformation of a Protector into an Abuser as this represents a profound betrayal of duty and trust.
We call for an immediate thorough investigation into this case such that practicable and effective child protective policies, processes and structures, are promptly put in place while the offenders are punished in accordance with all applicable laws.
Institutions and Officers must at all times be held strictly accountable, failing which this constitutes a grave miscarriage of justice and a fundamental breach of our collective responsibility to shield and protect children. This incident further underscores the dire need for continuous rigorous monitoring and supervision within child-care institutions. Where abuse occurs—especially by those acting as agents or representatives of care—the response must be swift, transparent, and uncompromising.
SOLIDARITY AND JUSTICE
FIDA Nigeria stands in unwavering solidarity with all children facing any form of violence. Justice is not optional—it is a legal and moral imperative. Our Children’s lives must not be defined by cruelty, nor should their suffering ever be ignored, trivialized, or excused.
This denunciation reaffirms a simple truth: a society that cannot protect its children has failed its most sacred duty. Nigeria must choose protection over impunity, law over violence, and humanity over cruelty.
FIDA Nigeria says : an injury to one child, is an injury to all.
With special thanks to the FIDA Nigeria, Child Safeguarding Committee, we continue to strive to ensure a beautiful peaceful society where children can grow to be their best.
Signed For FIDA Nigeria:
Eliana Martins
Country Vice President/National President FIDA Nigeria
Chineze Obianyo
National Publicity Secretary, FIDA Nigeria
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
