As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for intensified efforts to combat both offline and online violence targeting women and girls.
The annual observance also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign led by the United Nations that runs from 25 November to 10 December, linking the day with Human Rights Day.
In a statement posted on her official X account on Tuesday, the First Lady expressed deep concern about the rise of online abuse, describing it as a “growing and often invisible threat” that demands immediate attention. She highlighted the theme for the 2025 commemoration: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
“Digital spaces should foster genuine human connection, facilitate learning, and promote productivity, not fear,” Tinubu wrote. “Yet, too many women and girls face bullying, blackmail, stalking, and gender-based hate online. This is unacceptable.”
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She stressed that violence in any form—whether in physical spaces or the digital world—undermines the dignity, safety, and potential of women and girls. Tinubu reaffirmed her solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence and acknowledged the efforts of advocates, organisations, and institutions working tirelessly to end such abuse.
Her message coincides with sobering global data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Updated figures indicate that nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced sexual or intimate partner violence in their lifetime, a statistic that has seen slight improvement since the year 2000.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, described the continuing prevalence of violence against women and girls as “one of the most egregious violations of human rights and a serious threat to health.” He urged governments to strengthen policies, expand prevention efforts, and invest in health systems capable of protecting victims.
Building on this global call to action, Senator Tinubu appealed to all sectors—government institutions, the legislature, judiciary, technology companies, civil society, and citizens—to work collectively to ensure digital spaces become safe, inclusive, and respectful environments.
“I call on government institutions, especially the legislature and judiciary, technology companies, civil society, and every Nigerian to take bold action to make digital spaces safe, inclusive, and respectful for all,” she said.
