By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has begun developing a comprehensive policy framework to address Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, TF-GBV, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC, programme.
The initiative was unveiled at an inception meeting held at the John Odigie Public Service Academy, JOOPSA, in Benin City.
The meeting drew stakeholders from government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to tackle rising cases of online harassment, cyberstalking, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, called the move “timely and necessary.” She noted that while Edo has made gains against conventional forms of gender-based violence, emerging digital threats require proactive, forward-looking policy responses.
_“As our society becomes increasingly digital, we are witnessing a troubling rise in new forms of gender-based violence occurring through technology,” she said. “These violations not only undermine the dignity of women and girls but also restrict their participation in economic and public life.”_
The Commissioner commended the partnership with RoLAC, highlighting its role in strengthening justice delivery and institutional accountability in Edo State.
In her remarks, the RoLAC State Coordinator, Uche Nwokedi, emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated state policy, noting that existing legal frameworks do not adequately address digital dimensions of gender-based violence. She explained that the policy development process would also consider amendments to the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to ensure that perpetrators of online abuse are effectively prosecuted.
“ _The laws we currently have do not explicitly provide adequate punishment for technology-facilitated gender-based violence”,_ Nwokedi stated, adding that a specialized drafting committee would work over the coming months to produce a policy aligned with global best practices.
Providing a technical overview, RoLAC representative, Omokhodion Imonitie, presented the “TF-GBV Zero Draft,” which will serve as the foundation for the policy document.
He explained that the draft seeks to clearly define digital offences and establish survivor-centred response mechanisms that prioritize access to justice and protection.
During breakout sessions, stakeholders identified key priority areas for the policy, including legal reform and enforcement, survivor-centred reporting systems, digital literacy and prevention strategies, and strengthened accountability across institutions.
A major highlight of the meeting was the inauguration of a Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with refining the Zero Draft into a final policy document. The TWG comprises representatives from Edo State Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, RoLAC, the Nigeria Police, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Legal Practitioners.
Edo Begins Work on Policy to Tackle Online Gender-Based Violence
