Standing in front of the gathering, Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah addressing the issue at hand Photo Credit: MWASD
•Inaugurate TF-GBV Policy Working Group
From our news desk, Benin
To tackle an evolving gender based abuse, Edo State Government and Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program have entered into partnership.
The partnership has commenced the development of a comprehensive policy framework to address the new bug: ‘Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence’ (TF-GBV) in the State.
This was disclosed in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin on Wednesday, by Daisy Osunde, director, media in the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
On behalf of the State Government, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development entered into the partnership, it was said.
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According to the press release, the initiative was unveiled during an inception meeting held at the John Odigie Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City.
The event brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to confront the growing incidence of online harassment, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah described the move as a timely and necessary intervention.
As She noted; while Edo State has made significant strides in addressing conventional forms of gender-based violence, emerging digital threats demand proactive and forward-looking policy responses.
“As our society becomes increasingly digital, we are witnessing a troubling rise in new forms of gender-based violence occurring through technology.
“These violations not only undermine the dignity of women and girls, but also restrict their participation in economic and public life.”
The Commissioner was said to have commended the partnership with RoLAC, highlighting its role in strengthening justice delivery and institutional accountability in Edo State.
While addressing the gathering, RoLAC State Coordinator, Uche Nwokedi emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated state policy, noting that existing legal frameworks do not adequately address digital dimensions of gender-based violence.
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She explained, that the policy development process would also consider amendments to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to ensure that perpetrators of online abuse are effectively prosecuted.
“The laws we currently have do not explicitly provide adequate punishment for technology-facilitated gender-based violence.”
Nwokedi disclosed that a specialized drafting committee would work over the coming months to produce a policy aligned with global best practices.
Providing a technical overview, RoLAC representative, Omokhodion Imonitie, presented the “TF-GBV Zero Draft,” which will serve as the foundation for the policy document.
He explained that the draft seeks to clearly define digital offences and establish survivor-centred response mechanisms that prioritize access to justice and protection.
During breakout sessions, stakeholders were said to have identified key priority areas for the policy, including legal reform and enforcement, survivor-centred reporting systems, digital literacy and prevention strategies, and strengthened accountability across institutions.
A major highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of a Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with refining the Zero Draft into a final policy document.
The TWG comprises representatives from Edo State Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, RoLAC, the Nigeria Police, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Legal Practitioners.
Mrs. Abdallah urged members of the TWG to be guided by the lived realities of survivors, stressing that the policy must go beyond documentation to serve as a practical tool for justice and protection.
The Technical Working Group is expected to conclude its assignment within the coming months, positioning Edo State as a leading voice in Nigeria’s response to emerging forms of gender-based violence in digital spaces, it was stated.
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