FIDA Kaduna intensifies grassroots campaign against rising digital violence

By Mayen Etim, Kaduna

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kaduna branch, on Thursday intensified grassroots awareness on online abuse as it held a community outreach at Gidan Gargajiya in Kamazou, Chikun Local Government Area, as part of its 2025 FIDA Week and activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The event drew a large crowd of women, girls, and representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), civil society organisations and community leaders.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, said the state government’s existing legal framework against digital violence remains underutilized because many citizens are unaware the laws exist.

She noted that FIDA’s awareness campaign complements government efforts and is crucial in ensuring especially young people adopt proper digital ethics and avoid becoming victims of online scams and violence.

State Chairperson of FIDA, Barr. Olufunke Bamikole, said the outreach formed part of the 2025 FIDA Week and aligned with this year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.”

She noted that although mobile phone and internet use has become widespread, many users — including women, girls and older persons remain unaware of the laws, responsibilities and risks associated with digital spaces.

“We found that many people commit digital offences without even knowing,” Bamikole said. “Sensitisation is the only way to help communities understand these rules and protect themselves.”

She added that FIDA used the platform to also address related concerns such as drug abuse among youth, child custody issues and adoption rights.

Chairperson of the 2025 FIDA Week Planning Committee, Barr. Iyiku Thomas, said the activities were deliberately scheduled to coincide with the global campaign period, though the outreach date was adjusted to ensure the community could participate fully. “We have brought a lot of information to make people aware of the dangers they face daily,” she said.

Earlier, Founder of HERIntelligence, Ms. Loreta Tohomdet, explained that digital violence includes online insults, threats, blackmail, hacking, fake profiles, sexual messages and the non-consensual release of photos.

She warned that girls and women remain the most vulnerable, citing the staggering figure that 97.5 per cent of girls aged 11–16 have received sexual messages online.

She highlighted the devastating consequences of digital abuse — from fear and shame to withdrawal from school, reputational damage, and in some cases real-world harm such as stalking and extortion.

Tohomdet urged women to secure their devices with strong passwords, use two-factor authentication, block and report abusers, and preserve evidence.

She also encouraged families and communities to teach children online safety early, support survivors, and avoid victim-blaming. “Anytime you see or hear that a woman or child is being maltreated, inform FIDA immediately,” she said.

Representing FIDA executive member Barr. Sarah Peters, Barrister Oguguo Ahoruo-Enu-Jekwu educated women on their marital rights, stressing that even those in cohabitation arrangements are protected by law and can seek redress in cases of abandonment or abuse.

NDLEA Kaduna Commander Narcotics, Mohammed Shuaibu, warned young people about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant.

Responding on behalf of the community, Women Leader of Gidan Gargajiya, Mrs. Naomi Iko, expressed gratitude to FIDA for bringing such vital information to the community.

She pledged to ensure the knowledge gained is shared widely among women and incorporated into existing community activities.

“We will make sure our children, husbands and neighbours understand the dangers of online abuse and drug misuse,” she said.

The outreach forms part of FIDA Kaduna’s ongoing efforts to promote legal awareness, reduce digital violence and strengthen community resilience against emerging forms of gender-based abuse.