NAWOJ Leads the Charge Against Digital Violence
By Chizoba Njaka
On December 3, the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) initiated the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign with a walk from the Anambra State Police Command to Aroma Junction. The event highlighted the escalating concern of digital violence against women and girls, emphasizing the need for collective action to address this issue.
The advocacy walk passed through the bustling Eke Awka Main Market, drawing the attention of traders, commuters, and pedestrians. Many paused to listen or briefly joined in, united by a clear message: violence against women must be tackled not only in physical spaces but also online, where new forms of abuse such as cyberbullying, stalking, and online harassment have surged.
The campaign theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” framed a subsequent stakeholder forum at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka. Participants examined key digital threats including impersonation, revenge porn, misinformation, and the unauthorized sharing of intimate content, all disproportionately affecting women.
Sir Enebeli Osanakpo, CEO of Kate Associated Industries Limited and representative of headline sponsor Sir Ikem Osanakpo, highlighted the urgency of addressing digital violence. He called for a collaborative approach involving government, civil society, the private sector, and media professionals, stressing the vital role of male allies in shifting attitudes and fostering digital safety.
Sharing a robust legal viewpoint, Barrister Amara Mojekwu, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Anambra, outlined provisions of the newly enacted Cybercrime Act 2025. The law criminalizes online harassment, stalking, and malicious impersonation, prescribing penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment. She assured victims that FIDA is ready to provide free legal assistance and emphasized that economic empowerment is crucial for women to break free from abusive situations.
Hon. Mimi Azikiwe of Onitsha North 1 Constituency described the digital space as a double-edged sword, presenting opportunities for education and business but also exposing women to unique risks. She called for increased awareness to ensure offenders face justice and do not act with impunity.
Echoing these sentiments, Professor Stella Okunna, Africa’s first female Professor of Mass Communication, commended NAWOJ’s leadership in promoting digital safety. She stressed that protecting women online is essential to achieving gender equality and empowering economic participation.
Representatives of the Anambra State Government, including Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh and Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Welfare Hon. Ify Obinabo, emphasized that GBV is a societal issue involving both male and female perpetrators. They urged collective efforts across homes, institutions, and digital communities to bring lasting change.
NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika, highlighted that the walk officially launched a series of activities scheduled from November 25 to December 10. She urged women to break silence, report abuses, and seek help, stressing, “When you see wrong, say something.
”Chief Superintendent of Police Elozie Adaobi from Anambra State Gender Unit applauded NAWOJ’s campaign and assured that the police continue to collaborate with NGOs and communities to end all forms of GBV. She encouraged vigilance in reporting violence and underscored parents’ responsibility to protect children from becoming victims.
In her welcome address, Organising Committee Chairperson, Rotarian Oby Arinze reminded all that GBV affects everyone, though women and girls bear the brunt. She noted NAWOJ’s critical role in reporting violations and influencing public perception.
As the event concluded, the urgent need to confront digital violence remained clear. The fight to protect women and girls must extend firmly into online spaces to ensure safe, equitable participation in the digital age.