Ignorance of legal implications related to digital violence has been panned as a critical flaw in today’s society. This claim was stressed at the launch of an Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) Law Clinic at Nile University, Abuja. TechHerNG in her bid to combat online violence partnered with the Nile University Law Clinic. The initiative represents the organisation’s latest efforts to tackle the growing menace.
The launch event, held at Nile University, Abuja, brought together legal experts, faculty members and students, all united by a shared vision of combating the scourge. To mark the launch, an awareness walk was conducted within the university. Participants bore banners, distributed informative pamphlets, and engaged with their peers to raise awareness towards creating safer digital spaces for women and girls within academic environments and beyond.
OGBV, also referred to as Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), encompasses a range of violent behaviours perpetrated in digital spheres. These include intimate partner violence, harassment, revenge porn, bullying, hate campaigns, doxxing, and misinformation campaigns. The proliferation of these forms of violence has coincided with the internet’s revolutionising of learning and communication for young people, primarily through digital platforms. Experts have observed a concurrent surge in new forms of violence targeting women and girls.
“The lack of awareness regarding the legal implications of digital violence is a critical knowledge gap that demands immediate attention,” stated Amina Salaudeen, TechHer’s Women’s Rights and Safety Officer, at the launch, speaking of the consistent need to disseminate resources now available to combat deviant behaviours online.
She also emphasised the importance of creating awareness and response structures, stating, “Creating awareness about Online Gender-Based Violence is crucial in our digital age. It’s not just about educating potential victims; it’s about fostering a culture of accountability and support.”
Salaudeen revealed that the partnership with Nile University Law Clinic (NULAC) was necessary to achieve the larger goal of safe internet usage for women and girls: “Our partnership with NULAC is a monumental step towards ensuring that young people are equipped with the knowledge and resources to combat OGBV and seek justice. What better place to start than in tertiary institutions where many young Nigerians receive a significant orientation for their lives?”
As part of its comprehensive anti-OGBV initiative, TechHerNG launched KURAM, a dedicated response website to address online violence in 2023. Kuramng.org is a safe and reliable platform for survivors to seek help, providing access to resources, support, and a secure reporting mechanism. The website also offers information, including research, practical safety tips, and a supportive chatbot designed to empower and assist those affected by OGBV.
Barrister Ngozi J. Maduafor, Coordinator for the OGBV Law Clinic at Nile University of Nigeria, highlighted the importance of student participation in the clinic, “Engaging students in the OGBV Clinic is vital for peer-to-peer awareness and support. When students educate and support each other, it creates a more profound impact and fosters a community of empathy and vigilance. Their participation is crucial in driving the cultural change needed to combat OGBV effectively.”
TechHerNG addresses Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) through digital safety and gender advocacy, providing students with vital resources to understand OGBV’s criminality and access justice. This support is crucial for online protections, enabling confident and dignified online engagement.
