Abuja, Nigeria — As the world rolls out its 16-day activism campaign marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Nov 25–Dec 10), First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is issuing a stark warning: online spaces are becoming a battleground for gender-based violence, and Nigeria cannot afford to stand by.
In a forceful message on her verified X account, Mrs. Tinubu spotlighted the growing, often invisible threat of digital abuse — harassment, blackmail, stalking, extortion — targeting women and girls. She called out the dual reality: violence doesn’t just happen on the streets; it’s now stalking us through screens.
“Digital spaces should not be a place of fear,” she wrote. “They should foster genuine human connection, facilitate learning, and promote productivity. But far too many women face bullying, blackmail, stalking, and gender-based hate online. This is unacceptable.”
Her remarks did more than raise an alarm — they served as an urgent appeal. Tinubu challenged government institutions, the legislature and judiciary, tech companies, civil society, and citizens themselves to take bold and immediate action to make online environments safer, more inclusive, and respectful.
A Global Crisis in Digital Disguise
Violence against women isn’t new — but the battleground is shifting. According to the United Nations, the 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, linking the elimination of violence with human rights. For 2025, the rallying cry is especially pointed: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
The UN warns that digital violence isn’t some fringe issue — it’s becoming mainstream. Abusers are exploiting weak regulation, anonymity, and rapidly evolving tech like AI to harass and exploit women. In some cases, online abuse escalates into offline harm — coercion, physical abuse, even killing.
The Numbers That Terrify
The scale of the problem is staggering. A recent World Health Organization report reveals approximately 840 million women worldwide have experienced intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime — that’s nearly 1 in 3 globally. The sobering truth: in the last 12 months alone, 316 million women (11% of those aged 15 and older) were subjected to violence by an intimate partner.
These numbers aren’t just statistics — they’re a damning indictment of how little progress has truly been made. The report shows that progress on reducing intimate partner violence has been painfully slow, with only a 0.2% annual decline over two decades.
Why Tinubu’s Call Matters
Tinubu’s message comes at a critical moment. By calling on legislators, judges, tech platforms, and everyday Nigerians, she’s making clear: ending violence against women cannot be left to activists alone — it’s everyone’s business.
She said: “I call on government institutions … technology companies … civil society, and every Nigerian to take bold action to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful for all.” That’s not political theatre — it’s a rallying cry.
She’s not just echoing global demands; she’s challenging Nigerians to match rhetoric with action. To her, digital violence is not an abstract concept. It’s a real, immediate threat to dignity, safety, and the potential of millions of women and girls.
The Stakes Are Personal — and National
Tinubu’s appeal isn’t just symbolic. She reaffirmed her solidarity with all survivors and those working tirelessly to end gender-based violence. This isn’t a feel-good social media post — it’s a call to arms.
Her stance reflects a growing global consensus: protecting women from digital abuse isn’t optional. It’s not a luxury. It’s a human rights imperative. And if Nigeria fails to act, its women risk being left behind — in both the physical world and the digital one.
Why This Matters for Nigeria
- Legislation gap: Many nations still lack clear laws addressing digital gender-based violence.
- Tech accountability: Platforms must be pushed to prevent abuse, not just react when it happens.
- Civil society mobilization: NGOs, grassroots organizations, and citizens must partner to support survivors and demand systemic change.
- Cultural shift: Digital violence thrives in silence and stigma — Nigerians must speak up, challenge norms, and protect each other.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s message is unambiguous: violence doesn’t take a break just because it’s behind a screen. The fight against gender-based violence must evolve — and Nigeria must lead.