In Nigeria, the rapid penetration of digital technology has transformed communication, commerce, and access to information.
From urban centers to remote villages, the internet has bridged gaps, offering opportunities for education, business, and social interaction.
However, alongside these benefits, digital platforms have also become spaces for the perpetration of gender-based violence (GBV).
Between January and May 2024, at least 6,142 GBV cases were reported across various Nigerian states, despite the existence of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
Alarmingly, the advent of technology and increased internet access has introduced new dimensions to this problem, giving rise to technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
TFGBV encompasses various forms of abuse enabled by technology, such as cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, doxxing, and other acts aimed at causing harm, fear, or shame, primarily targeting women and girls.
These acts are not only violations of privacy but also attacks on dignity and autonomy. Studies have shown a global increase in TFGBV, but data specific to Nigeria remains scarce.
Despite anecdotal evidence and increasing media reports pointing to its prevalence, the lack of comprehensive research limits the development of targeted interventions and policies to combat this emerging form of GBV.
Given Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural context, understanding TFGBV requires localized research to illuminate its unique manifestations, impacts, and potential solutions.
TFGBV poses significant challenges to digital safety, mental health, and gender equality in Nigeria. Victims, predominantly women, often experience psychological trauma, reputational harm, and economic losses.
These effects are compounded by barriers to accessing justice and inadequate legal and policy frameworks. Public awareness regarding digital safety and support mechanisms for victims is also limited, leaving many women vulnerable to continued abuse.
The consequences of TFGBV are profound. Victims may feel forced to conform to societal expectations, often against their will, to avoid further harassment or stigmatization.
TFGBV can break the willpower of women, reducing their participation and contribution in public and professional spaces. The abuse often causes psychological harm, leading to a defeatist attitude, stalled ambitions, and diminished self-worth.
By confining women to societal stereotypes, TFGBV limits their potential and destroys ambitions. Victims frequently experience depression, suicidal thoughts, and stigmatization, which can have long-term impacts on their mental and emotional well-being.
Despite the introduction of the VAPP Act and other legal frameworks, Nigeria’s response to TFGBV remains inadequate.
The VAPP Act, while progressive, is not universally adopted across all states, leaving significant gaps in protection for women and girls. Moreover, existing laws often fail to address the unique challenges posed by technology-enabled abuse.
For instance, cyberstalking and online harassment laws are either outdated or poorly enforced, and there is a lack of specialized training for law enforcement on handling TFGBV cases.
Also, victims often face stigma and blame when reporting incidents, further discouraging them from seeking justice. The digital divide also plays a role, as many women in rural areas lack access to information about their rights or the means to report abuse.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been at the forefront of efforts to combat TFGBV in Nigeria. They provide critical support services, including counseling, legal aid, and public awareness campaigns.
However, their efforts are often hampered by limited resources and a lack of collaboration with key stakeholders, such as technology companies and government agencies. Technology companies also have a crucial role to play.
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are frequently used to perpetrate TFGBV.
These companies must prioritize user safety by implementing robust reporting mechanisms, moderating harmful content, and collaborating with local organizations to address abuse.
Transparency in their policies and accountability for failing to act on reports of abuse are essential.
The scarcity of data on TFGBV in Nigeria is a significant barrier to effective intervention. Comprehensive, localized research is needed to understand the scale and nature of the problem.
This data can inform the development of targeted policies, public awareness campaigns, and support services. Collaboration between academia, CSOs, and government agencies is essential to bridge this gap and ensure that interventions are evidence-based.
Way Forward
To effectively combat TFGBV, Nigeria must adopt a multi-faceted approach that involves government, civil society, technology companies, and the public. Strengthening legal frameworks is critical.
The government must ensure the universal adoption and enforcement of the VAPP Act and other relevant laws. Existing legislation should be updated to address the unique challenges of TFGBV, and specialized training should be provided to law enforcement agencies.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate Nigerians about the dangers of TFGBV, digital safety practices, and available support mechanisms. These campaigns should target both urban and rural populations, leveraging traditional and digital media.
Programs that promote digital literacy and online safety for women and girls can help them navigate the digital space confidently and protect themselves from abuse.
Technology companies must be held accountable for creating safe online spaces.
This includes implementing effective content moderation, providing transparent reporting mechanisms, and collaborating with local organizations to address TFGBV. Victims of TFGBV need access to counseling, legal aid, and other support services.
Government and CSOs should collaborate to establish and expand these services, ensuring they are accessible to all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is a growing threat to digital safety, mental health, and gender equality in Nigeria. While the rapid penetration of digital technology has brought immense benefits, it has also created new avenues for abuse.
Addressing TFGBV requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create a safer digital environment for women and girls.
To curb TFGBV in Nigeria, it is imperative to strengthen legal frameworks, raise public awareness, and empower women and girls with the tools to navigate the digital space safely.
Technology companies must also be held accountable for their role in enabling abuse. By fostering collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector, Nigeria can create a digital landscape that upholds the dignity, safety, and equality of all its citizens.
*Bakare Opeyemi Nafisat is the executive director, Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative.
