EDSG Unveils 2026 Technology-Facilitated GBV Policy, Inaugurates Implementation Committee

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has unveiled its Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) Policy 2026 and inaugurated an Implementation Subcommittee to coordinate its execution, strengthen survivor support services, and address emerging forms of digital abuse.

The policy was launched 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 New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City. The event brought together stakeholders from government, the justice sector, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and development organisations.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said the policy responds to technology-enabled abuses such as cyberstalking, online harassment, sextortion, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. She noted that it would enhance digital literacy, improve access to reporting mechanisms, strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity, promote coordinated institutional responses, and foster collaboration with technology platforms to safeguard women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

Mrs. Anani called for the development of an executive summary of the policy to ensure wider public accessibility and urged the active involvement of young people, particularly Generation Z, in its implementation, noting that their digital experience would be critical in addressing online abuse.

Presenting the policy, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, said it was developed in response to the growing prevalence of technology-facilitated abuse. She explained that it would enhance public awareness, improve reporting systems, strengthen survivor support, and build institutional capacity for prevention and response. She further emphasized that the launch marks the commencement of implementation and called on government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, technology stakeholders, and communities to take collective ownership of the initiative.

In her goodwill message, former Deputy Speaker and member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko, described the policy as both innovative and timely, pledging the Assembly’s support toward its legislative backing to ensure effective compliance and enforcement.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Patrick Daaor, also pledged the support of the Police Command, noting that it receives daily reports of online bullying, blackmail, and stalking. He stated that a clear policy framework would provide victims with more effective reporting and redress mechanisms, while legislation would further strengthen institutional response.

Representatives of the Secretary to the Edo State Government, the Chief Judge, and the Head of Service also expressed support, underscoring the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration in preventing and responding to technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

The event concluded with the official unveiling of the Edo State Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Policy 2026 and the inauguration of its Implementation Subcommittee.