WRICAD Raises Alarm On Digital Abuse Against Women.

Emmanuel Clement 

Women across Nigeria are being urged to take a stand against the growing threat of digital violence targeting women and girls.

The call was made by Princess Fauziyyah Olaloko, Chairperson of Women Rights And Child Advocacy (WRICAD), at an event in Lagos marking the International Day to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Against Women.

Princess Olaloko emphasized that digital violence is a serious issue, and women must unite to fight against online harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of digital abuse.

She highlighted the importance of reporting incidents and protecting personal information, stating that “digital violence is real violence”.

“Many people think violence only happens when someone is hit or beaten. But things have changed,violence now enters homes through phones and the internet. That is why we are speaking on the theme “Digital Violence Is Real Violence”

“Some people receive threats on WhatsApp,get messages that bring fear, have their private pictures used to embarrass them and some are monitored online without their consent.”

“Many young girls fall into danger because someone pretends to be a friend on the phone. All these things may not leave bruises, but they leave deep pain. They cause worry, sleepless nights,shame and that pain is also violence.”

“It is said that when we understand something clearly, we can protect ourselves. That is why WRICAD is here. Our aim is to expose these silent harms and teach simple steps that can help keep women and children safe.”

“If anybody is threatening you online, report it,if someone sends messages that make you afraid, do not keep quiet.”

“If your child is using a phone, guide them,talk to them. Watch what they do online and stop sharing private things with strangers. And if anybody tries to use your information to control you, know that you have rights,you can seek help”she said

Princess Olaloko went further to state that  “Women are community pillars,”, while stressing the importance of women’s collective action against digital violence,she urge all women and girls to come together so as to combat digital abuse and promote online safety for all.

“We also want to encourage unity among women. You know this already when women stand together, the entire community is stronger. If your neighbour faces trouble, do not laugh at her,do not shame her. Help her speak up and let her know she is not alone.”

“Today’s outreach is not just a program. It is a message of hope and we want women in Ejigbo to know that their safety matters and their dignity matters. Online or offline, you deserve respect.”

The Convener acknowledge all their partners, supporters,for standing with them especially Ejigbo LCDA,the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ejigbo Chapter.She also thanked the market leaders for their hospitality

The event featured a keynote address by Comrade Suleiman, who highlighted the rise of technology has brought a new form of harm: digital violence.

He stated that women and girls in Nigeria face cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of images, and digital stalking.

According to statistics presented by him 45% of women have experienced cyberstalking, and 10.6% have faced doxing, putting them at risk of further harm.

He emphasized that digital violence is not just a problem among adults, but also affects children and adolescents, especially girls.

Comrade Suleiman noted that digital violence leaves deep emotional scars, destroys confidence, and follows victims into their physical lives.

He called on individuals to raise awareness that digital violence is a crime and not a joke, and to support survivors by creating safe reporting channels.

A report released in 2025 found that 9 in 10 Nigerian children face at least one form of “online risk” — including sexual exploitation, unsolicited sexual content, cyberbullying, scams, and general digital abuse.

“Many cases involve minors receiving unwanted sexual advances, messages,images, or being coerced into sharing content — thus highlighting the vulnerability of children and teenagers online.”

” According to the report, about 58% of online harms target women —indicating a strong gendered dimension to digital violence.”

“This shows that digital violence in Nigeria is not only a problem among adults —children and adolescents, especially girls, are deeply affected.”

“In today’s world, abuse no longer happens only behind closed doors. With the rise of technology, many women and girls now face a new form of harm—digital violence.”

“This includes cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of images, digital stalking, impersonation, threats, and the constant invasion of privacy. The damage is not virtual. It is real, painful, and dangerous.”

“Digital violence leaves deep emotional scars, destroys confidence, and in many cases,follows victims into their physical lives. It may happen online, but the fear, anxiety, and trauma are felt offline.”

“For many survivors, their phones—tools meant to empower—have become sources of intimidation and control.” he submitted.

The Vice Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Hon Ambibola Ike, who was the special guest of honor, stated that the surge in online abuse was even more worrying than traditional forms of gender-based violence.

Ambibola who was represented by her Personal Assistant Mrs Faith noted that digital violence has risen by over 45%, exposing young girls to a new spectrum of harm that no longer ends when the physical assault stops.

A young girl or woman today is exposed not only to physical harm, but also to cyber bullying, humiliation, blackmail, and threats that linger forever on the internet. These are not abstract concerns, they are lived experiences of real people,” she stated.

The Vice Chairman added that digital platforms, once seen as tools for empowerment, have increasingly become battlegrounds where women and girls face relentless attacks that follow them into their homes, workplaces, and private spaces.

She thanked the organizers for coming out to enlightening the women especially the girls on what to do so as to combat the menace, stating that the elimination of violence against women,whether physical,emotional, or digital. Online abuse is not “less serious.” It is not “just words.” It is a violation of dignity and a threat to safety.

Other guest who gave their goodwill message at the event include the Councilor representing Ailegun ward,Hon Ifatumise Adedoyin Adefioye who was represented by Mrs DaSilva,the Councilor representing Oke Afa ward,Hon Rukayat Olabisi who was represented by Comrade Abdulramah Alugo, Deputy Co-ordinator NYCN,Engr Alimiran Sunday.

The Secretary Community Development Committee, Ejigbo LCDA, Barrister Ambibola Olawale in her goodwill message called for stronger collective action to tackle digital violence against women and girls, warning that digital abuse targeting women and girls is rising sharply and should be treated with the same seriousness as physical violence.

The CDC Secretary warned that violence against women and girls remains a major human rights concern and called on the public to report abuse, challenge harmful cultural norms, and support efforts to create respectful environments at home, at work and online.

A member of the NGO, Hassan Adijat, thanked the organizers for the initiative and appealed to the government to move “from awareness to action” and work towards a society founded on dignity, safety, and equality for all.

Investigator news gathered that the event concluded with a call to action, urging individuals to work together to combat digital violence and promote online safety for all.