In today’s digital age, access to technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. For women and girls in Nigeria, especially in Edo State, digital inclusion holds transformative power in the quest for gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse (SOTHAWACA)/PREZENS for Charity’s side event theme “Digital Inclusion as a Catalyst for Gender Equality” highlighted the urgent need to bridge the digital divide and use technology as a tool to empower, protect, and support women and girls across Nigeria.
Digital inclusion means that everyone, regardless of gender, income level, or location, can access and effectively use digital tools and the internet. Unfortunately, millions of Nigerian women and girls particularly those in rural areas remain digitally excluded due to poverty, cultural norms, limited education, or inadequate infrastructure. This exclusion severely limits their ability to seek help, learn about their rights, report abuse, or access opportunities for education and economic independence, all of which are vital for breaking cycles of violence and discrimination.
Technology, when accessible and used safely, offers powerful solutions to tackle gender based violence (GBV). Digital platforms provide safe spaces where survivors can share their stories, access information, and connect with legal, health, and psychosocial support. Mobile apps and hotlines offer confidential channels for reporting abuse. Social media is now used as a force for raising awareness, amplifying survivors’ voices, and holding perpetrators accountable. Across Nigeria, such tools have been used to expose domestic violence cases and push for justice.
In Edo State, digital empowerment initiatives have made a visible impact. As women and girls gain digital literacy, they pursue education, launch businesses, and engage in activism and thus becoming less vulnerable to abuse and more confident in claiming their rights. Technology has become a lifeline, not just for prevention, but also for recovery and advocacy.
SOTHAWACA has a vital role to play in scaling these efforts. First, we are committed to partnering with government agencies, schools, and the private sector to deliver digital literacy training in both urban and rural areas. These trainings will equip women and girls with essential skills, such as internet navigation, online safety, and how to access GBV support services.
Second, we will design and implement awareness campaigns that link digital inclusion with women’s rights and GBV prevention. By changing social norms and encouraging community acceptance of girls’ use of technology, we can dismantle barriers that keep them disconnected and disempowered.
Third, SOTHAWACA will develop and promote safe, culturally sensitive digital platforms for reporting abuse. By collaborating with local tech experts, we can ensure these tools are secure, user-friendly, and widely accessible.
Our advocacy also extends to pushing for inclusive digital policies and stronger cyber laws. Through our experience at the Edo State GBV Centre, we’ve seen how perpetrators now use digital technology to harass and blackmail survivors—threatening to share private images or messages. This new form of abuse underlines the urgency of legal reforms and digital safety education.
In conclusion, digital inclusion is more than connectivity. It is a tool for justice, freedom, and safety. By promoting access to digital tools and building resilience in the face of tech-enabled abuse, SOTHAWACA is advancing gender equality and contributing to a Nigeria where every woman and girl can live free from violence.
