Digital Violence Against Women ‘Requires Urgent Attention ‘ – NUJ FCT

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for stronger collective action to tackle gender-based violence as the world marks the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Comrade Ike warned that digital abuse targeting women and girls is rising sharply and should be treated with the same seriousness as physical violence.

She said this year’s campaign aligns with the UNiTE global theme, “End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

Ike said the campaign period, running from 25 November to 10 December, underscores the need for unified efforts to confront both physical and online forms of abuse and to promote safer communities and digital spaces.

She also recounted facing targeted harassment and intimidation during the NUJ FCT elections in 2024, saying the experience exposed the entrenched nature of gender-based attacks, which she described as extending beyond physical harm to psychological and digital abuse.

The NUJ FCT Chair warned that violence against women and girls remains a major human rights concern and called on the public to report abuse, challenge harmful cultural norms, and support efforts to create respectful environments at home, at work and online.

Ike noted that the media has a critical role in exposing violations and amplifying survivors’ voices, adding that the council is committed to responsible reporting and supporting stronger laws, better survivor services and tougher measures against digital violence.

She urged Nigerians to move “from awareness to action” and work towards a society founded on dignity, safety, and equality for all.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji