Kwara Lawmaker Seeks Stronger Laws Against Online Abuse, Digital Violence

Nigeria’s youngest serving lawmaker, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, has called for a review of Nigeria’s laws on online abuse, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, image-based violence and other forms of digital harassment.

Shittu, who represents Owode/Onire Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, made the call in Accra, Ghana, during the West Africa Female Parliamentarians Peer Review Conference on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Speaking with LEADERSHIP on the sidelines of the conference, she said her working group focused on technology-facilitated and emerging forms of violence against women and girls, including online abuse, image-based violence and cross-border enforcement.

According to her, the Nigerian delegation also developed a motion titled 

“Strengthening Protection Against Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls” and discussed strategies for engaging male lawmakers in efforts to end violence against women and girls.

LEADERSHIP reports that the three-day conference, organised by the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) with the support of UN Women West and Central Africa Regional Office and the European Union, brought together female parliamentarians, gender ministers, ECOWAS lawmakers and development partners to review legislative responses to violence against women and girls and strengthen regional collaboration.

Shittu participated in a regional working group comprising legislators from Ghana, Senegal and Uganda, where participants reviewed their countries’ experiences and examined legislative approaches to strengthening protection for women and girls.

She also joined delegates from across the region in discussions on strengthening democratic institutions through responsive legislation and enhanced collaboration among African parliaments.

Unlike conventional conferences centred mainly on speeches, the peer-review format enabled participants to assess one another’s legislative frameworks, exchange best practices and develop recommendations aimed at improving laws, parliamentary oversight and regional cooperation.

The conference is expected to strengthen the network of female parliamentarians working together on legislative reforms, advocacy and implementation of measures to address violence against women and girls across West Africa.

Shittu’s participation in the conference, as well as the recognition she received during a visit to the Parliament of Ghana, formed part of Nigeria’s contribution to regional efforts aimed at advancing the rights, safety and wellbeing of women and girls.