UNiTE to End Digital Violence: NIPSS and Hriscare Champion #DigiTHER2025 During 16 Days of Activism
Early this month, in commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) proudly partnered with the Hriscare International Foundation to host #DigiTHER2025—a landmark initiative focused on confronting the rising tide of digital violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Anchored on the 2025 global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” the initiative went beyond awareness to spark action-oriented national dialogue, bringing together policymakers, gender advocates, technology experts, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
Addressing the Rising Threat of Digital Violence
As digital spaces continue to expand, so do the risks of cyberstalking, online harassment, image-based abuse, and technology-facilitated violence. #DigiTHER2025 was designed to confront these realities head-on—advocating for stronger protections for women and girls and the enforcement of policies that guarantee their digital rights to safety, dignity, and participation.
The campaign’s core objective was to:
– Raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of digital violence against women and girls
– Foster a unified national conversation involving policymakers, civil society, and digital rights activists
– Advocate for coordinated policy action and systemic reform
Key Achievements and Outcomes
– The dialogue yielded significant outcomes aligned with both national priorities and global UNiTE goals:
– Policy Frameworks: Contributions toward developing robust policy systems to address cyberstalking, online harassment, and technology-facilitated abuse.
– Systemic Reform: Strengthening alignment with global UNiTE commitments through improved data collection, survivor-centered response systems, and institutional accountability.
– Digital Empowerment: Advancing evidence-based models that promote safer online environments for women and girls, ensuring inclusion without fear or intimidation.
A Milestone National Policy Dialogue at NIPSS, Kuru
A major highlight of #DigiTHER2025 was the National Policy Dialogue held on 15 December 2025 at NIPSS, Kuru, hosted by the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Gender Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the Hriscare International Foundation. This pivotal event marked a key milestone in Nigeria’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Irene Agunloye, Director of Gender, NIPSS—represented by Hon. Maryamu Laka Madami, mni, Deputy Director, Gender Centre—underscored the urgency of addressing digital violence and the need for proactive policy interventions.
Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni, Acting Director of Studies, commended the growing engagement of women in digital rights advocacy and emphasized the importance of early value-based education, urging mothers to intentionally raise boys with respect for gender equality.
In her closing remarks, the Director General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, represented by Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Omotayo, appreciated the strong turnout—especially mothers, young girls, and teenagers. She stressed that ending digital violence requires collective responsibility, calling for sustained collaboration until digital spaces are safe for all women and girls.
A Call to Action
Silence in the face of gender-based violence—especially in digital spaces—is a betrayal. #DigiTHER2025 reaffirmed a shared commitment to amplifying voices, strengthening accountability, and driving systemic change.
As Nigeria continues to navigate digital transformation, initiatives like DigiTHER remind us that innovation must be inclusive, safe, and just. Ending digital violence is not optional—it is essential.
Together, we UNiTE to end digital violence against women and girls.