As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women under the theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” the Coordinator, Office of the Edo First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has condemned violence against women as a detrimental force that impedes progress and called for policy reforms to safeguard the rights of women and girls, particularly addressing the rising tide of online harassment, cyberstalking, and tech-facilitated abuse.
During a road walk and sensitization event at strategic locations around the Ring Road, the Edo State House of Assembly, and Oka Market on Sokponba Road, to launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Mrs. Anani expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Agbebaku, for advancing women-supportive policies. She applauded the Speaker’s commitment to strengthening anti-violence laws, aim to guarantee safe society for everyone, not just women.
Aligning with her Office’s efforts to combat GBV in Edo State, Mrs. Anani emphasized the need for digital accountability, survivor support, and community action to ensure safe spaces, both online and offline. According to her, “Our goal is to reduce sexual assault and violence against women, to create a society that is free and safe, not just for women, but for everyone. Violence is universal, it affects our boys, girls, women, and men. Today, we stand against this violence. I thank the Speaker for recognizing that violence against women is not just a women’s issue. it is a human rights violation. You empower us, and I extend this gratitude not only to the Speaker, but to every member of the cabinet.
“I want to commend you just as you said, the law will be reviewed and made stricter. That’s what we want. To all the women we represent, we will stand with you, stand for you, and answer your call.”
Addressing traders at Oka Market on Upper Sokponba Road, Mrs. Anani emphasized that women should be empowered to recognize their self-worth, and not to be seen as destined to endure GBV. She condemned acts such as eviction, abandonment by spouses, refusal to cover children’s tuition, child abuse, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, amongst others, faced by women, and urged them to speak out. She assured that the Government is committed to their welfare with the establishment of sexual assault referral centres to support survivors, and promised to act on reported cases for offenders to be prosecuted.
Earlier, in his remarks, Hon. Agbebaku advocated for more women in government and condemned violence against women, emphasizing their value as mothers and wives. According to him, “The House supports women’s rights. I have always advocated from my ‘Red Seat’ that women should be accommodated in this Government. I don’t hide it. Out of 24 commissioners, I think about four or five is not enough; at least 10 should be women. So, I want to assure you that this House stands with the women.”
He assured that lawmakers will review and strengthen penalties for violence against women in current legislation, emphasizing that harsher consequences would serve as a deterrent.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, appreciated participants and noted that while the internet enables progress, it is also used for cyberstalking and violence against women. In her words, “It is an honour today to be addressing you as part of the 16 Days of Activism on Gender-Based Violence 2025 in Edo State. May I say that whereas the internet has made communication, business, education and mobilization easy, on the flip side, the same digital platforms have been perverted and used against women and girls for cyberstalking, bullying, harassment, violence and abuses of diverse kinds.
Ladies and gentlemen, the statistics are startling. The United Nations reports that nearly one in three women worldwide have experienced some form of online violence and women are more likely than men to be harassed online.” She cited 2020 National Democratic Institute report of which 40% of Nigerian women online faced cyberbullying, silencing them and harming their mental health. She urged lawmakers and the media to collaborate on legislation and digital literacy to create safe online spaces, emphasizing that digital violence is real, harmful, and preventable.
A former Deputy Speaker, and member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mariam Edeko, appreciated the Seventh Assembly for passing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, describing it as the Nigeria’s most progressive law for women. She commended the House for its gender sensitivity, assured that the Speaker will announce further actions, and wished success for the 16 Days of Activism.
Some traders including Edith Uwem and Uwayemwen Samson of Oka Market, shared experiences of GBV by their husbands. They solicited government action. The highlight of the campaign was the one-on-one sessions with traders by Mrs. Anani and her Team to promote GBV awareness and prevention across the locations.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
