Foundation launches 16-Day Campaign Against Gender Violence

FAME Foundation has launched its 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism campaign with a call for stronger protection for women and girls facing rising digital violence across Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the executive director of the organisation, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, said the campaign  under the theme:  “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” aims to spotlight the growing scale of online abuse and push for coordinated national action.

According to her, the campaign began yesterday, November 25, adding that it will run from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day.

Atoyebi said digital violence had become a major threat to the safety and well-being of women and girls.

“Far too many girls and women are experiencing online harassment, cyberstalking, abusive messaging, and other forms of digital abuse,” she said.

She said,“Too often, these incidents go unreported, leaving victims feeling isolated, unsafe, and unheard.”

Citing data from Gatefield’s State of Online Harms 2025 report, Atoyebi noted that an estimated 68.9 million Nigerians face various forms of online abuse, with women disproportionately affected. She added that the findings based on NCC data were particularly alarming for minors.

“According to the report, 97% of children have experienced some form of sexual exploitation online, and 89% have received unwanted sexual content or requests,” she said.

Atoyebi also raised concerns over the growing trend of private images and videos being shared online without consent. “When this happens, victims face public mockery, harassment, and reputational harm,” she said. “This type of abuse can ruin lives and force women and girls offline.”

She noted that despite existing laws—including the Cybercrimes Act 2015 and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act—enforcement remained inconsistent, leaving many survivors reluctant to seek help.

She urged government agencies, civil society groups, technology companies, the media, and communities to work together to make the digital environment safer.

“We call on all stakeholders—government, media, civil society, tech companies, communities, men, and boys to step up,” she said. “Support survivors, speak out against abuse, and help create safe digital spaces.”

Similarly, director of Programs, FAME Foundation Kemisola Ibitoye, highlighted a series of activities planned for the 16-day period, including webinars on digital safety, panel discussions on the role of men as allies, and multimedia advocacy designed to encourage reporting and amplify survivors’ voices.

“We are producing playlets, podcasts, and video messages to encourage girls to speak out,” she said. “We will engage youth and sports communities through surveys, live sessions with coaches on safe sport, video pledges and community activities, she said.”

She added that every activity was designed to “educate, empower, and mobilise communities across the country.”

Meanwhile, project assistant of the Foundation, Jeffrey Edung, calls on women and girls to speak out. “Your voice matters. You are not alone. We see you, we hear you, and we will stand with you,” she said.

He added that digital spaces should be tools for empowerment. “They should connect us, not harm us. Together, we can unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.”