The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, has urged Nigerians and the global community to intensify joint efforts to eliminate all forms of violence targeting women and girls, including the growing threat of digital abuse.
We gathered that Fall made the appeal on Tuesday night in Abuja at the UN House during the annual Orange Lighting and digital violence awareness event marking the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The gathering, themed “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls,” was convened by the UN in Nigeria.
“We stand together this evening in solidarity, hope, and in one clear voice for women, for girls, and for justice,” Fall said.
He noted that although violence against women had existed for generations, its modern form had shifted into online spaces.
“Violence against women is not new, but its shape is changing. It has entered our screens, conversations and digital spaces where we work, learn, and live.
“Digital abuse is real in form of cyberstalking, sextortion, impersonation, non-consensual images and hate-speech that follows women from one platform to another,” he added.
Fall explained that such attacks were designed to intimidate and silence women, ultimately discouraging them from participating in public life.
“We cannot allow that. Women continue to face unequal access to power and protection.
“Women remain underrepresented in leadership, even as Nigeria works to expand political inclusion.
“More women are stepping forward, competing and leading. Momentum is growing and we must protect it,” he said.
He observed that while physical and sexual abuse appeared to be declining, technology-enabled violence was rising, posing serious threats to women’s self-esteem, economic opportunities, and visibility in politics, education, and workplaces.
Fall also highlighted ongoing national efforts to address the challenge, noting that the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act remained a vital legal tool.
“The Government is strengthening cybercrime laws, efforts to increase women’s representation at all levels are gaining ground.
“These steps matter. They advance Goal 5. They move Nigeria closer to a future where equality is real, not rhetorical.
“But more must be done. We need safer digital spaces. We need stronger enforcement of laws. We need investments in digital literacy for girls and boys,” he stressed.
He further called for policies that protect women online just as strongly as in physical spaces. Fall urged tech companies to operate with greater responsibility and transparency and encouraged families, teachers, religious leaders, activists, and journalists to defend respect and dignity for all.
UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, described the 16-day campaign as a global annual movement. She said the observance, which began on Nov. 25 and will end on Dec. 10, shines a spotlight on what she described as the most widespread human rights violation globally.
Eyong noted, “This year’s theme speaks to one of the most rapidly expanding and least understood forms of violence affecting women and girls today.
“Before we discuss digital violence, let us ground ourselves in the broader reality of violence against women and girls in Nigeria.”
The event featured goodwill messages from Ms Muriel Mafico, the United Nations Population Fund Resident Representative in Nigeria, along with a presentation on the 2025 global theme.
A youth theatrical performance illustrating the lived experiences and consequences of digital violence and the symbolic Orange-lighting of the UN House formed the highlight of the ceremony.
