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The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has ended its 16 days of activism against Gender-Based, Violence, with a community sensitization roadwalk. The 16 days of activism is an annual event and this year, the theme of the activism is ‘No excuse for Online Abuse’.
According to the International Federation of the Red Cross- Digital threats are accelerating at a pace communities can barely keep up with, and far too many incidents never surface. From coordinated online harassment and persistent tracking to the misuse of personal information, manipulated imagery and targeted misinformation. These violations undermine confidence, erode dignity, and push women out of digital spaces. In their most extreme form, online attacks spill over into physical harm -with consequences that can be fatal.
Speaking during the event in Abuja, Nigeria- Fatima Nasir, Director of Protection, Gender and Inclusion, underscores the NRCS strategic commitment to building safer digital ecosystems. She emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated prevention frameworks, survivor-centered reporting mechanisms and stronger public awareness to combat the rising tide of tech-enabled abuse.
‘We feel that the Nigerian Red Cross needs to create more awareness so that people understand that abuse is not just physical but can also take place in cyberspace. Online abuse is using the digital space to bully people. Sending them unwanted and inappropriate messages.’
Also speaking, Gloria Kunyenga-Operations Coordinator of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reinforces the call for cross-sector collaboration, noting that online sexual violence is not just a digital challenge but a full-spectrum protection issue requiring policy alignment, behavioural change, and sustained community education. She explains that the IFRC is committed to supporting the Nigerian Red Cross Society to end all forms of Cyber Bullying.
‘Luckily this year, the theme of the 16 days of activism has to do with including women, girls and young children in a digital world. You must understand that these people can be abused and this year we want to create awareness so that these categories of people may be protected hen they use the internet. We also want women and girls to know their rights because many do not even know that online abuse exists.
16 days of activism is an annual event to create awareness around sexual exploitation and abuse among vulnerable people-especially women and young girls. This year’s theme is ‘No excuse for online abuse.’
Chima Nwankwo
Coordinator, Communications and Advocacy,
Nigerian Red Cross Society
M: +2348023597255