FIDA 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.