• Sets up implementation committee to tackle abuse
From our news desk, Benin
In strengthening efforts against abuse, the Edo State Government has unveiled its Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) Policy 2026.
Also, an implementation subcommittee has been inaugurated to coordinate its execution, strengthen support for survivors and tackle emerging forms of gender-based violence in digital spaces.
The policy was launched at an event organised by the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, in Benin City, the State Capital.
Daisy Osunde, the director of media in the Ministry made the disclosure in a press release circulated amongst journalists, on Tuesday.
“The event attracted stakeholders from the government, the justice sector, law enforcement, civil society and development organisations.”
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, said the policy was designed to address technology-enabled forms of gender-based violence, including cyberstalking, online harassment, sextortion and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Mrs. Anani was quoted to have said the policy prioritises public digital literacy, accessible reporting mechanisms for survivors, enhanced investigative and prosecutorial capacity.
Others include; coordinated institutional action and collaboration with technology platforms to protect women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
She was said to have stressed the need to make the policy easily accessible to members of the public, noting that an executive summary would enable citizens to better understand its provisions and know where to seek assistance when affected by technology-facilitated GBV.
The coordinator, office of the first Lady also called for the involvement of young people, particularly members of Generation Z, in the implementation process.
While noting that their experiences and understanding of digital platforms could provide valuable insights into addressing abuses in online spaces.
Presenting the policy, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, said the document was developed in response to emerging forms of abuse facilitated by technology.
According to her, the policy seeks to increase public awareness, improve the reporting of TF-GBV cases, strengthen survivor support services and enhance the capacity of institutions responsible for preventing and responding to such abuses.
The Commissioner asserts; that the policy launch was only the beginning of the implementation process, urging government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, technology stakeholders and communities to take ownership of the initiative.
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In her goodwill message, member of the Edo State House of Assembly, and former deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko described the policy as innovative and timely.
She commended the Ministry and other stakeholders for their efforts and pledged the support of the State House of Assembly towards translating the policy into law.
According to her, a legal framework would strengthen compliance and provide the necessary backing for effective enforcement.
In the same vein, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Patrick Daaor pledged the support of the Police Command for the implementation and enforcement of the policy.
CP Daaor disclosed that the Police receive daily reports of online bullying, blackmail and stalking, stressing the need for a clear and structured framework that would enable victims to report cases and obtain redress.
He expressed optimism that the eventual enactment of the policy into law would strengthen institutional responses and provide clearer pathways for addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The Secretary to the Edo State Government, the Chief Judge of the State and the Head of Service were represented at the event, with their representatives delivering goodwill messages in support of the policy and its implementation.
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The representatives emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions and other stakeholders to effectively prevent and respond to technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The event culminated in the official unveiling of the Edo State Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Policy 2026 and the inauguration of its Implementation Subcommittee.
The initiative marks a significant step in Edo State’s efforts to confront emerging forms of digital abuse and promote safer digital spaces for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.
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