As the world commemorates the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Journalists for Christ International Outreach (JFC) has issued a strong call for coordinated action to curb the rising tide of digital violence targeting women and girls in Nigeria.
With this year’s global theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” the group
in a statement signed by Mrs. Ugonma Cokey, Vice President of JFC,
is urging government agencies, technology platforms, civil society, and the media to take stronger steps in protecting women in online spaces.
JFC’s call is grounded in findings from its recent report, #EndMisogynyNG: Media Monitoring Report on Misogyny and Online Violence Against Women, produced with support from WACC Global and Brot für die Welt.
The report paints a troubling picture of Nigeria’s digital landscape, revealing that online platforms have increasingly become spaces where misogyny thrives. According to the findings, women—especially female journalists—face intensified threats that undermine their safety, dignity, and meaningful participation in public discourse.
According to Cokey, “The report highlights widespread use of abusive, sexualised, and degrading language directed at women across social media.
“These attacks are not isolated incidents; rather, they stem from entrenched patriarchal norms that shape societal behaviour both online and offline.”
She continued that, “Women journalists, in particular, are frequently targeted with harassment questioning their professionalism, morality, and appearance—often for no other reason than their visibility and influential roles.”
JFC warns that such attacks are contributing to a shrinking digital space for women, deterring many from fully engaging in public conversations. The organisation emphasises that attacks on women’s voices ultimately weaken democratic participation and press freedom.
One of the most alarming aspects of the report is the documented rise in tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV). “This includes cyberstalking, doxxing, unauthorised sharing of intimate images, sexualised hate speech, and coordinated harassment campaigns,” she said.
The report notes that weak enforcement of platform safety policies and inadequate national legislation have emboldened perpetrators, who often operate without fear of consequences. Social media companies, according to JFC, have not shown enough transparency regarding their enforcement mechanisms, leaving victims with limited avenues for redress.
The 2025 campaign coincides with a significant development in Lagos State—the review and pending launch of the Draft Policy on Technology-Facilitated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, scheduled for December 10. JFC describes the policy as a timely step and notes that it aligns with one of the major recommendations in its #EndMisogynyNG report.
The group expressed pride in contributing to the advocacy that informed the policy process, stressing that strong legal and institutional frameworks are crucial to tackling online GBV.
In its renewed call to action, JFC urges government agencies to strengthen legislation addressing online abuse, ensure swift implementation of the TF-GBV policy in Lagos, and invest in digital safety training, forensics, and survivor support systems.
Social media platforms are encouraged to enforce community standards more consistently, improve user reporting mechanisms, and prioritise the safety of women—particularly journalists and young women who are disproportionately affected.
JFC also calls on civil society and faith-based organisations to intensify awareness campaigns on digital safety, support survivors, and challenge harmful gender norms that fuel online misogyny.
The media is equally urged to play a responsible role by amplifying survivor voices, reporting ethically on digital gender-based violence, and resisting narratives that normalise or excuse misogyny.
Reaffirming its commitment, the organisation stresses that digital violence carries real psychological, economic, and sometimes physical consequences. “Online safety is not optional; it is a fundamental right,” Cokey emphasised.
The group insists that women and girls deserve the freedom to participate in digital spaces without fear of abuse. The 16 Days of Activism, it notes, should serve as a reminder to stakeholders at all levels to unite and ensure that online environments do not become additional sites of harm.
Journalists for Christ International Outreach is a faith-based media group committed to promoting responsible journalism and advocating for safer, more equitable digital spaces.
