Edo Moves Against Cyberbullying, Online Harassment in New GBV Drive

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government through the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Tuesday flagged off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign observed annually from November 25th to December 10th with a strong focus on curbing the rise of digital violence targeted at women and girls.

Speaking during a press briefing in Benin City, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs Eugenia Abdallah warned that online abuse including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, identity theft, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images has become one of the fastest-growing forms of gender-based violence globally.

She described this year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” as timely, noting that digital platforms meant for learning and social connection are increasingly being misused to harm and intimidate women and girls.

The Commissioner commended the Executive Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his administration’s continued support for gender protection initiatives, and also acknowledged the contributions of Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady.

Highlighting Edo State’s progress, she listed the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Benin and Uromi, enforcement of the VAPP Law, training of social and security personnel, and ongoing digital-safety campaigns across schools and communities.

To mark this year’s campaign, the Ministry announced a series of activities including a road walk in Benin Metropolis, statewide school sensitization on online safety, social media advocacy, community outreach, radio programmes, and a stakeholders’ conference to strengthen the state’s response to digital gender-based violence.

The Commissioner called on parents, teachers, tech companies, community leaders, youth groups, and the media to join the fight against digital abuse, stressing that protecting women and girls is a collective responsibility.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating safer online and offline spaces for all women and girls in Edo State.