EDSG Moves to Strengthens Fight Against Digital Abuse, Validates TF-GBV Policy

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) through the development of a comprehensive policy framework aimed at preventing digital abuse, protecting survivors, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

Speaking at the Validation Meeting for the Development of Edo State’s Policy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, organised by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, Benin City, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, described technology-facilitated gender-based violence as a growing threat that requires urgent and coordinated action.

Barr. Ikhilor noted that available data show that about 38 per cent of women globally and more than 58 per cent of women between the ages of 15 and 25 have experienced some form of digital violence. He warned that the rapid advancement of technology and Artificial Intelligence has created new channels for harassment, intimidation, exploitation, and abuse, particularly against women and girls.

Describing the proposed policy as both timely and necessary, the SSG stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to effectively prevent, respond to, and prosecute cases of technology-facilitated violence. He recommended aligning the policy with existing legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Cybercrime Act, to avoid duplication and strengthen implementation.

He further emphasized that the policy must go beyond platform safety measures to prioritize prevention, awareness, and accountability. Barr. Ikhilor assured stakeholders of the Edo State Government’s readiness to adopt and support the effective implementation of the policy.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, described the validation meeting as a significant milestone in the commitment of the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls, and children.

She observed that while technology has expanded opportunities for communication, education, and economic empowerment, it has also given rise to emerging forms of abuse such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying, online harassment, and image-based sexual abuse.

According to her, the development of the policy reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the protection architecture of Edo State and ensuring safe and inclusive digital spaces for all residents.
“It is imperative that we establish a clear policy framework to prevent, respond to, and mitigate these forms of violence while promoting safe and inclusive digital spaces for all citizens,” she stated.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, reiterated the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of all residents.

She noted that the administration has continued to strengthen measures against gender-based violence by ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice while survivors receive the necessary support, protection, and access to justice.

“The development of this policy is timely and necessary. It demonstrates our collective resolve to create a safer digital environment where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a weapon for abuse,” she said.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, represented by Hon. Justice Esohe Bazuaye, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting human dignity and upholding the rule of law. He pledged continued capacity building for judicial officers and enhanced collaboration with relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the policy.

The RoLAC State Coordinator, Mrs. Uche Nwokedi, described technology-facilitated gender-based violence as an urgent challenge in today’s digital age, noting that advances in technology have also provided new tools for perpetrators to harass, stalk, and silence women and girls.
She described the validation of the policy as a major step towards protecting vulnerable persons across the State and called for its swift adoption and public presentation to facilitate implementation, stakeholder ownership, and public awareness.

The meeting featured a presentation of the draft policy by RoLAC representative, Mr. Omokhodion Imonitie, followed by extensive stakeholder engagement, review, validation, and adoption of recommendations for inclusion in the final draft of the Edo State Policy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence.

Among dignitaries present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, and the Permanent Secretary, Transformation Office, Dr. Peter Osagie, who represented the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa.