Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged citizens, institutions, and global partners to unite in combating all forms of violence against women and girls, including the rising wave of digital abuse.
Her message came as the world marked the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which also signals the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
In a statement shared via her official X account on Tuesday, Tinubu highlighted the urgent need to address online harassment, cyberbullying, extortion and gender-based hate that disproportionately target women and girls.
“Today, Nigeria joins the world to mark the day with the theme ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,’” she wrote. “This important theme speaks to the urgent need to address a growing and often invisible threat of online abuse, harassment, extortion and exploitation of women and girls.”
She noted that digital platforms should be a source of empowerment, not fear.
“Digital spaces should foster genuine human connection, facilitate learning, and promote productivity, not fear. Yet, too many women and girls face bullying, blackmail, stalking, and gender-based hate online. This is unacceptable,” she added.
Tinubu stressed that whether physical or virtual, violence erodes the dignity and potential of women and girls.
“I stand in solidarity with all survivors and with those working tirelessly to end gender-based violence,” she said.
Her message aligns with global data from the World Health Organisation, which shows that nearly one in three women worldwide has suffered physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Experts warn that the figure has barely changed in over two decades.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, described violence against women as “one of the most egregious violations of human rights” and called on governments to strengthen prevention systems.
“Governments and communities must use data to drive stronger policies, scale up prevention efforts, and invest in health system readiness,” he said.
Building on this global call, the First Lady urged key stakeholders to take concrete steps to protect women in digital spaces.
“I call on government institutions, especially the legislature and judiciary, technology companies, civil society, and every Nigerian to take bold action to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful for all,” she stated.
The 16 Days of Activism ends on December 10, which is commemorated globally as Human Rights Day.
