By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has restated its commitment to tackling Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, TF-GBV, through a comprehensive policy framework focused on preventing digital abuse, protecting survivors, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
Speaking at the validation meeting for Edo State’s TF-GBV policy held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, Benin City, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, described TF-GBV as a growing threat that demands urgent and coordinated action.
The meeting was organized by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC, Programme.
Barr. Ikhilor noted that available data indicate that approximately 38 percent of women globally, and more than 58 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 25, have experienced some form of digital violence. He warned that the increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence has created new avenues for abuse, harassment, intimidation, and exploitation, particularly against women and girls.
He described the proposed policy as timely and necessary, emphasizing that a multi-sectoral approach is essential to effectively prevent, respond to, and hold perpetrators accountable. The SSG further recommended aligning the policy with existing legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Cybercrime Act, to avoid duplication and strengthen implementation mechanisms.
He underscored the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence and digital abuse, arguing that the policy must move beyond platform safety to prioritize prevention. To ensure effective rollout, he recommended aligning the policy with existing frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Cybercrime Act, so Edo State can avoid duplicating structures and streamline implementation. He concluded by affirming that the Edo State Government is ready to receive the policy and provide full support for its implementation.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, described the validation meeting as a significant milestone in the commitment of the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls, and children.
She observed that while technology and digital platforms have enhanced communication and access to opportunities, they have also given rise to emerging forms of abuse, including cyberstalking, online bullying, cyber harassment, and image-based sexual abuse.
Hon. Abdallah stressed the need for a clear and practical policy framework to prevent, respond to, and mitigate technology-facilitated violence while promoting safe and inclusive digital spaces. She expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders for their contributions and called for active participation in developing a policy that prioritizes accountability, protection, and justice.
”It is imperative that we establish a clear policy framework to prevent, respond to and mitigate these forms of violence while promoting safe and inclusive digital spaces for all citizens. The development of this policy reflects our administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the protection architecture of Edo State,” she stated.
Also speaking, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, represented by the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, reiterated the commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of all residents.
She noted that the administration has continued to strengthen measures against gender-based violence, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice while survivors receive the necessary support, protection, and access to justice. She described the development of the TF-GBV policy as a demonstration of the state’s collective resolve to ensure that technology remains a tool for empowerment rather than a weapon for abuse.
According to her, “The development of this policy is timely and necessary. It demonstrates our collective resolve to create a safer digital environment where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a weapon for abuse. The policy will provide a framework for prevention, protection, reporting, response, accountability and stakeholder collaboration in addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence across the State.”
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, represented by Hon. Justice Esohe Bazuaye, acknowledged the immense benefits of technology but cautioned against its misuse to target vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
He commended the initiative to develop a policy framework on technology-facilitated gender-based violence and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting human dignity and upholding the rule of law. He further pledged continued capacity building for judicial officers and enhanced collaboration with government agencies and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
Also speaking, the RoLAC State Coordinator, Mrs. Uche Nwokedi, noted that as technology continues to advance, so do the methods employed by perpetrators to harass, stalk, and silence women and girls.
She stated that technology-facilitated gender-based violence has become an urgent reality in today’s digital age and emphasized that RoLAC has been proud to stand side by side with the Edo State Government in tackling the challenge head-on.
Mrs. Nwokedi described the validation of the TF-GBV Policy as a monumental step in the collective commitment to protecting vulnerable persons across the State. She, however, noted that validation is only the foundation and not the end of the process.
She therefore advocated for the swift adoption and immediate public presentation of the policy framework to enable prompt implementation, strengthen stakeholder ownership, and enhance public awareness of measures aimed at preventing and responding to technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The meeting featured a presentation of the draft policy by a representative of RoLAC, Mr Omokhodion Imonitie, followed by extensive stakeholder feedback, observations, validation, and adoption of inputs into the final draft of the Edo State Policy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Women and Social Development, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien and the Permanent Secretary, Transformation Office, Dr Peter Osagie who represented the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, were amongst dignitaries that attended the meeting.*Edo State Government Moves to Strengthen Response to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence*
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