HP deploys digital literacy to combat SGBV among female survivors

Digital literacy has emerged as a beacon of hope for young female survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), highlighting the transformative role of education in building safer, more independent lives.

The Managing Director for Southern and Central Africa at HP, Yesh Surjoodeen, underscored the importance of digital skills in the fight against SGBV, urging a community-driven approach to tackle this pervasive issue.

SGBV remains a critical issue in Nigeria, with recent research by Ekpenyong, Ushie, and Tawo (2021) revealing how education can empower women to navigate abusive situations.

According to Surjoodeen, the study emphasises that access to education and digital literacy is crucial for reducing vulnerability, helping women achieve economic independence, and creating a more equitable society.

Also, a national survey by the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) further illustrates the urgency of the problem, with nearly 25 per cent of females aged 18-24 reporting sexual abuse before turning 18.

Surjoodeen noted that, however, the true scale of the issue may be even larger, as stigma and limited access to justice prevent many victims from coming forward.

Surjoodeen said in response, HP in partnership with the WARIF Girls’ Project Plus (WGP+), launched an initiative focused on equipping young girls with digital literacy skills.

He said this initiative aims to empower female students in Lagos secondary schools by teaching them how to recognize signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and use digital tools to plan their futures.

Surjoodeen said the program, which recently reached students at Surulere Senior High School and Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College, achieved a nearly 100 per cent success rate.

According to him, girls as young as 10 participated in sessions like “My Body and I, “What is Abuse?” and “Unmasking the Abuser,” along with lessons in digital safety and entrepreneurship.

Surjoodeen said the training provided a blend of awareness and practical skills, enabling girls to better understand their rights and navigate digital platforms safely.

“Digital literacy has become a vital element of the curriculum, teaching girls how to protect themselves both online and offline. HP’s involvement included sessions on “Effective Leadership,” “Success Mindset,” and “Starting a Small Business,” aimed at boosting the girls’ confidence and preparing them for future opportunities. Participants were also given resources to share with peers, extending the impact of the program beyond the classroom,” Surjoodeen stated.

Certificates were awarded to participants upon completion, providing formal recognition of their achievements and empowering them with a sense of accomplishment.

Surjoodeen said beyond the WGP+ collaboration, HP continues to support female empowerment through its HP LIFE and HP IDEA programmes, which provide training in essential digital skills to enhance employability and prepare women for leadership roles in the digital era.

He said the success of this initiative suggests that integrating digital literacy into education can be a scalable model for youth empowerment.

“By equipping young girls with the knowledge to navigate their environments safely, programs like these hold the potential to reshape the fight against SGBV in Nigeria and beyond. As more schools adopt similar approaches, a generation of young women will be empowered to make informed decisions, secure in their ability to recognise and resist abuse,” Surjoodeen stated.

He said this effort is more than a response to a pressing issue, as it is a pathway to building a future where young women are not only aware of the dangers of SGBV but are also equipped with the tools to forge their own paths with confidence and resilience.