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Summary
Project Alert has launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, calling for collective action to end both online and offline violence against women and girls under this year’s theme, “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Project Alert has officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual global campaign calling for collective action to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. This year’s theme, “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the urgent need to confront the growing threats posed by online harassment, cyberstalking, sextortion, doxxing, image-based abuse, and deepfake content.
Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence. In Nigeria, the Invictus Africa 2024 Womanity Index reports that 63% of Nigerians have either experienced or know someone who has experienced sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), with the home identified as the most common location for such incidents.
While the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP) has strengthened legal protections in 35 states as of September 2024, Project Alert notes that violence persists and is evolving in the digital space. Technology-facilitated abuse, from online harassment to cyberstalking, has escalated, often spilling into real-world harm. For instance, an online business owner recently faced harassment in person after a digital interaction, underscoring how online violations can translate into offline trauma.
“Digital tools are increasingly weaponised to stalk, harass, and silence women. Those who speak out, lead publicly, or run businesses face heightened risks, and survivors encounter enormous barriers when seeking help. Every click, comment, or interaction online can either harm or heal,” said Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, Executive Director of Project Alert.
Project Alert calls for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder response, including:
- Government agencies: Strengthen policies, enforce laws, and improve survivor-centered reporting systems.
- Technology companies: Enhance safety tools, transparency and accountability mechanisms.
- Communities and educators: Promote digital literacy and foster safe online environments.
- Civil society and advocacy groups: Amplify survivor voices and expand support services.
- Individuals, especially men and boys: Challenge harmful norms and stand against all forms of violence.
Ending violence against women and girls requires safeguarding them both online and offline, in homes, schools, workplaces, communities and digital spaces. Emphasising this message, Josephine Effah-Chukwuma added:
“Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe. As we unite for the 16 Days of Activism, let us build digital spaces that empower, not endanger.”
