In commemoration of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 – December 10), Amaclare Connect & Development Initiative— a non-governmental organization committed to building peace through intersections of health, gender, environment, and conflict management convened a strategic stakeholders’ workshop funded by Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) with a clear call to action: “Safe Online Spaces for All – End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.” The 2025 campaign global theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” formed the backbone of the discussions led by the Executive Director of the organization, Mrs. Loretta Ahuokpeme, who emphasized that digital violence is rapidly becoming one of the most pervasive forms of abuse in the modern age.The event which was held at on the 7 Oases Event Centre, 17 Omerelu Street, GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on 8th December 2025 drew a diverse and influential audience, including representatives of civil society organizations, community leaders, youth groups, women associations, and students. Their participation underscored the growing concern around online harassment, cyberbullying, misinformation, identity theft, blackmail, and other forms of digital abuse that disproportionately target women and girls.Mrs. Ahuokpeme stressed that digital spaces originally created for learning, expression, innovation and opportunity are increasingly becoming unsafe due to unregulated misuse. She noted that online violence is multiplying daily, leaving psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical consequences for victims.Key Resolutions from the WorkshopStakeholders reached a number of critical resolutions aimed at strengthening both preventive and responsive mechanisms:Government Regulation and Monitoring:Participants advocated for stronger policies and regulatory frameworks that would enable government agencies to monitor digital spaces more effectively, thereby ensuring the safety of citizens online.Responsibilities of Technology Companies:Tech companies were urged to deploy protective digital tools such as safety apps, advanced content filters, verification systems, and monitoring channels to curb cyber violence. They were also encouraged to create and publicize user-friendly reporting platforms where victims can safely report digital abuse.Role of NGOs:Civil society organizations were encouraged to deepen their engagement in addressing violence against women and girls in digital spaces, an issue that is expanding at an alarming rate. NGOs were called upon to engage in research, digital rights education, identify existing policies and cascade same to all and sundry, advocacy, and community sensitization.Community Involvement:Recognizing the influence of local communities, participants agreed on the need for communal support in promoting safe digital practices. They emphasized community-led awareness campaigns and the development of a comprehensive working document that will guide collective action towards ending digital violence.The workshop was supported under the Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI), and peacebuilding framework of PIND. PIND operates across nine states—Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers where it works to reduce conflict and promote economic development for women, youth, and communities. Its involvement reinforced the significance of addressing online violence as a threat to peace and development.Art Exhibition Adds Creative Voice to the AdvocacyIn addition to the discussions, an accompanying art exhibition reflecting the theme of digital safety and empowerment was also held on 10th December 2025. The exhibition comprised the work of students drawn from 3 junior secondary schools in Rivers State, titled Brushes For Justice: Young Voices, Powerful Messages – Art for a World Without Violence, provided a visual and emotional narrative of the lived experiences of everyone especially women and girls in different spaces, while challenging the public to envision a digital environment free from violence.As the 16 Days of Activism wound down, the workshop’s message remained clear: Digital spaces must be safe for all, and collective action is essential to protecting women and girls from emerging forms of online harm. By uniting voices, strengthening institutions, and empowering communities, a safer digital future is possible.
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