As part of activities to commemorate the year 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, the Edo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has held a sensitization outreach on digital safety for public primary and secondary schools in the State.
The programme which took place at the Imaguero College Hall in Benin City, brought together pupils, educators, child-protection advocates, and officials of the Ministry to address the rising threat of digital violence and the need for safer online communities for children and adolescents.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, stated that the 2025 theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” is both timely and urgent as it confronts the growing reality that violence is no longer confined to physical spaces but has moved boldly into the digital world.
Mrs. Abdallah emphasized that the event was specially designed for young people and their teachers because they are the first line of defence in creating safer digital environments. In her words, “Today’s programme is specially designed for you, our young people and the educators who shape your learning journey. We have selected students and teachers from across Edo State because you are the ambassadors who will carry this message back to your schools, your peers, and your communities. You represent the voice and the future of a safer digital environment. Together you will help us spread awareness across Edo State, creating safe digital communities in your schools.”
The Commissioner explained that while the internet has provided opportunities for learning, creativity, research, innovation, and connection, it has also become a platform where harm can be inflicted effortlessly and anonymously.
“Sadly, many girls and young women face dangers such as cyber bullying, online harassment and stalking, gender-based hate speech, the sharing of harmful, abusive, or inappropriate content, manipulation and exploitation through digital platforms. These forms of violence do not leave visible scars, but their emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical impact can be devastating. They silence voices, lower self-esteem, disrupt education, and in extreme cases, lead to self-harm”. She said.
She urged students to learn how to use the internet responsibly, how to protect themselves and their peers, and how to speak up when something is wrong. She stated, “Let me remind every young person here, you have the right to be safe online. You have the right to dignity. You have the responsibility to treat others with respect. Your voice matters. Your choice matters. Let us use technology as a tool for learning and empowerment, not a weapon for violence”.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance for teachers to be empowered with knowledge to recognize, prevent, and respond to digital violence, stating the vital role they play in identifying early signs of distress among students and providing a safe space where children can report harmful online experiences. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting safe online policies, and implementing programmes that safeguard young people, saying, “In Edo State we remain committed to policies and programmes that protect children, empower girls, strengthen families, and promote equality. Today’s event is one more step in ensuring that our digital future is safe, inclusive, and free from violence.
”We cannot do this alone. We need you; our teachers, our students, our digital citizens to stand with us. As we continue the 16 Days of Activism, I urge all of us to become advocates for safe digital spaces. Let us unite to stop cyber bullying, challenge harmful gender stereotype online, promote kindness, and refuse to share materials that hurt others. Together, let us raise our voices and take action. Together, we can end digital violence against all women and girls.”
Addressing the connection between digital harm and substance misuse, the Director of Rehabilitation, Mr. Sylvester Okoeguale, explained that cyber bullying, online harassment, and other forms of digital violence often push young people into emotional distress, which can lead to substance misuse as a coping mechanism. He warned students about the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged them to seek help early if they feel overwhelmed.
The Executive Director of the Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse (SOTHAWACA), Mrs. Ronke Ojeikere, described digital abuse as a silent destroyer of confidence and mental health, stressing that many victims suffer in isolation because digital harm is often overlooked. She urged students to act as allies by rejecting harmful content, reporting abuse, and supporting peers who experience cyber bullying or harassment.
Speaking on online safety skills, a member of Netete Initiative, Mrs. Evelyn Oghosa Edo-Osagie, told the students that everything posted online leaves a permanent footprint. She urged them to use technology wisely and positively. She highlighted the need for children to question suspicious online interactions, avoid strangers on digital platforms, and to speak up when they feel uncomfortable.
