Edo Moves To Tackle Online Gender-Based Violence With New Policy Framework
The rise of digital technology has created new opportunities, but it has also exposed women and girls to growing online threats.
In response, the Edo State Government is taking steps to strengthen protections through a dedicated policy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV).
The Edo State Government has advanced efforts to combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) by validating a comprehensive policy designed to curb online abuse, protect survivors and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Speaking at the validation meeting in Benin City, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, described digital violence as an escalating threat fuelled by advances in technology and artificial intelligence.
He cited global data showing that 38 per cent of women, and over 58 per cent of young women aged 15 to 25, have experienced some form of online abuse.
Ikhilor said the proposed policy would strengthen prevention, response and accountability, urging alignment with existing laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Cybercrime Act to improve implementation.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, said the policy reflects the commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to safeguarding women, girls and other vulnerable groups from emerging forms of digital abuse, including cyberstalking, online harassment and image-based sexual abuse.
Other stakeholders, including representatives of the Office of the First Lady, the judiciary and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, backed the initiative and called for the swift adoption and implementation of the policy to create safer and more inclusive digital spaces across Edo State.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders reviewing and validating the draft policy, paving the way for its final adoption and implementation.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n