In a powerful statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Rinsola Abiola, Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), issued a clarion call for stronger, unified action to combat the surging threat of digital violence against women and girls.
The Digital Threat: An Erosion of Citizenship
Aligning with this year’s global theme, “UNiTE To End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” Abiola highlighted how the digital world, intended as a space for connection and empowerment, has tragically become a major hotspot for gender-based abuse.
She squarely named this pervasive issue—which includes cyberbullying, online harassment, hate speech, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content—as a profound failure of citizenship.
“Digital violence is a profound failure of citizenship,” Abiola stated. “It strips victims of their dignity, silences women’s voices in public discourse, and undermines the health of our democracy.”
The impact of this abuse is far-reaching, pushing women out of public life and weakening democratic participation. The statistics are alarming: globally, 16 to 58 percent of women have experienced digital violence, and a staggering 90 to 95 percent of all deepfake videos are non-consensual sexual images of women.
Leadership as Protection: A Call to Responsible Action
Abiola described true leadership as “power used for protection” and stressed that online harassment runs contrary to the fundamental values of discipline, patriotism, and empathy.
The CLTC is taking concrete steps to tackle this digital decay by:
- Integrating digital citizenship and ethics into its training curriculum.
- Strengthening advocacy to counter the impunity often associated with online abuse.
- Partnering with technology stakeholders to improve online safety protocols.
Responsibility Rests on All of Us
A significant portion of Abiola’s message was directed at Nigerian youths, who make up a substantial part of the nation’s internet users.
She urged them to embrace digital responsibility by actively challenging harmful content, promoting respectful online engagement, and working to create safer virtual spaces for women and girls.
The message is clear: the fight against digital violence requires a multi-pronged approach involving governments, tech companies, and every citizen. As Abiola concluded,
“As we observe these 16 days, let us unite to end digital violence and build a future where every woman and girl can participate fully and without fear.”
The time for passive observation is over. Digital spaces are real spaces, and the harm inflicted online has devastating, real-world consequences. It is a shared responsibility to ensure technology serves as a tool for equality and opportunity, not as a weapon of abuse and silence.
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