BY RITA OYIBOKA
AS Delta State commemorated the grand finale of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua, has called for sustained action against violence targeting women and girls, emphasising that the fight must extend beyond the campaign period.
Speaking at the symposium held, yesterday, at the Chike Edozien Secretariat under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, Ajudua urged women and all stakeholders to be proactive in their communities. “When you see something, say something, and when you say something, do something,” she stressed, highlighting the alarming rise of cyber-stalking, online exploitation, and the non-consensual sharing of private content.
The event brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including NGOs, professional women’s groups such as Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Christian Women Organisation (CWO), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), market women, Muslim women, and students, among others.
According to the Commissioner, “Digital violence is real violence. Its wounds may be invisible, but its impact is profound. As a government responsible for the protection and empowerment of all women and girls, we must confront digital violence with the same seriousness as physical, emotional, and economic abuse.
Our approach must be preventive, responsive and survivor-centred. This means strengthening education and awareness at every level, in our schools, our homes, our communities, making sure that young people understand consent, respect and safe digital behaviour.”
She also called for stricter policies to hold perpetrators accountable.
Ajudua further appreciated the state government under Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the First Lady, Dcns Tobore Oborevwori, “for ensuring that the rights of women and girls remain a priority in governance.”
Represented by the Deputy Director, Tejiri Anuhwrin, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, reinforced the state’s commitment to prosecuting offenders. “With the advent of the internet, acts of molestation and online abuse have increased. The Ministry of Justice is equipping lawyers to prosecute sexual and gender-based offences effectively. Our goal is to reduce, if not eradicate, this menace,” he said.
Other speakers, including the Chairman, Family Values, Renaissance, and Empowerment Initiative, Dr Florence Ofovwe, Ambassador Tina Uche, Founder of Schoolville, and Mr Charles Omordia. They emphasised the importance of family values and digital caution in combating gender-based violence. The symposium featured panel discussions, survivor testimonies, and Q&A sessions to educate attendees on the realities of digital violence and how to combat it.
