From (R), Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, SSG, Barr Musa Ikhilor and rep of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Esohe Bazuaye
• Holds stakeholders meeting on new policy development
From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV).
The Government reaffirmed commitment; is through the development of a comprehensive policy framework aimed at preventing digital abuse, protecting survivors, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators, it was said.
Advertisement
Towards matching words with action, a stakeholders meeting was held to validate the policy’s development.
The meeting organized by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme was tagged: ‘Meeting for the Development of Edo State’s Policy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV).
Speaking at the event in Benin City, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, described technology-facilitated gender-based violence as a growing threat that requires urgent and coordinated action.
Barr. Ikhilor noted that available data indicates approximately 38 percent of women globally, and more than 58 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 25, have experienced some form of digital violence.
He warned; that the increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence has created new avenues for abuse, harassment, intimidation, and exploitation, particularly against women and girls.
According to him, the proposed policy is timely and necessary, emphasizing that a multi-sectoral approach is essential to effectively prevent, respond, and hold perpetrators accountable.
The SSG further recommends aligning the policy with existing legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Cybercrime Act, to avoid duplication and strengthen implementation mechanisms.
He underlined the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence and digital abuse, urging that the policy must move beyond platform safety to prioritize prevention.
Ikhilor however assured that the Edo State Government is ready to receive the policy and provide full support for its implementation.
Addressing the gathering earlier, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah described the validation meeting as a significant milestone in the commitment of the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls, and children.
She observed that while technology and digital platforms have enhanced communication and access to opportunities, they have also given rise to emerging forms of abuse, including cyberstalking, online bullying, cyber harassment, and image-based sexual abuse.
Hon. Abdallah stressed the need for a clear and practical policy framework to prevent, respond, and mitigate technology-facilitated violence while promoting safe and inclusive digital spaces.
She expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders for their contributions and called for active participation in developing a policy that prioritizes accountability, protection, and justice.
“It is imperative that we establish a clear policy framework to prevent, respond to and mitigate these forms of violence while promoting safe and inclusive digital spaces for all citizens.
“The development of this policy reflects our administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the protection architecture of Edo State,” she stated.
Also speaking, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, reiterated the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of all residents.
She asserts the administration has continued to strengthen measures against gender-based violence, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice while survivors receive the necessary support, protection, and access to justice.
Mrs. Edesili described the development of the TF-GBV policy as a demonstration of the State state’s collective resolve to ensure that technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than a weapon for abuse.
“The development of this policy is timely and necessary. It demonstrates our collective resolve to create a safer digital environment where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a weapon for abuse.
“The policy will provide a framework for prevention, protection, reporting, response, accountability and stakeholder collaboration in addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence across the State.”
Making a remark, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, represented by Hon. Justice Esohe Bazuaye, acknowledged the immense benefits of technology but cautioned against its misuse to target vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
Justice Okungbowa commended the initiative to develop a policy framework on technology-facilitated gender-based violence and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting human dignity and upholding the rule of law.
He further pledged continued capacity building for judicial officers and enhanced collaboration with government agencies and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
Also speaking, the RoLAC State Coordinator, Mrs. Uche Nwokedi, noted that as technology continues to advance, so do the methods employed by perpetrators to harass, stalk, and silence women and girls.
She stated that technology-facilitated gender-based violence has become an urgent reality in today’s digital age.
As she emphasized that RoLAC has been proud to stand side by side with the Edo State Government in tackling the challenge head-on.
Advertisement
Mrs. Nwokedi described the validation of the TF-GBV Policy as a monumental step in the collective commitment to protecting vulnerable persons across the State.
She, however, noted that validation is only the foundation and not the end of the process.
The RoLAC State coordinator therefore advocated for the swift adoption and immediate public presentation of the policy framework.
This she said would enable prompt implementation, strengthen stakeholder ownership, and enhance public awareness of measures aimed at preventing and responding to technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The meeting featured a presentation of the draft policy by a representative of RoLAC, Omokhodion Imonitie, followed by extensive stakeholder feedback, observations, validation, and adoption of inputs into the final draft of the Edo State Policy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Women and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien and the Permanent Secretary, Transformation Office, Dr. Peter Osagie who represented the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, were amongst dignitaries at the meeting.
Sponsored Content
About the Author
