As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has highlighted the urgent need to tackle both offline and online violence targeting women and girls.
The United Nations links the observance with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running annually from 25 November to 10 December. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” underscores the rising threat of online abuse, harassment, extortion, and exploitation.
In a statement on her official X account on Tuesday, Oluremi Tinubu noted:
“Digital spaces should foster genuine human connection, facilitate learning, and promote productivity, not fear. Yet, too many women and girls face bullying, blackmail, stalking, and gender-based hate online. This is unacceptable.”
She stressed that violence in any form undermines the dignity, safety, and potential of women and girls, adding:
“I stand in solidarity with all survivors and with those working tirelessly to end gender-based violence.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in three women globally has experienced intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime—a figure that has remained largely unchanged since 2000. Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, emphasised that violence against women is a grave human rights violation and a serious threat to health.
Building on this global reality, Tinubu urged government institutions, technology companies, civil society, and every Nigerian to take bold measures to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful.
“I call on government institutions, especially the legislature and judiciary, technology companies, civil society, and every Nigerian to take bold action to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful for all,” she said.
