By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
As part of activities to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Taraba State, stakeholders have urged the state government to develop a clear roadmap for regulating the digital space to curb cyberbullying and other forms of online violence, particularly against women and girls.
The call was made during a workshop organised by the Non-Governmental Organisation, Side By Side Faith Movement, in collaboration with other partners.
In his remarks, the Kuru Kona, HRH Augustine Njemang Vengkani II, appealed to the State House of Assembly and relevant institutions to provide a legal framework for regulating social media use and mobile device access among young people.
Kuru Vengkani noted, “We have been using the digital space without paying sufficient attention to the negative aspects of this wonderful innovation. This workshop opens our eyes to the consequences of wrong usage on our youths, especially the women. As a Chiefdom, we will take up this campaign and ensure it reaches every nook and cranny of our domain. Let me call on the government to come up with laws to regulate phone usage, especially by the underage, to curtail the level of violence and criminal activities in our digital space.”
The Taraba State Coordinator of Side By Side, Princess Leah Solomon Olusiyi, explained the significance of the annual global campaign.
She said, “Every year, the 16 Days of Activism begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. These dates remind us that violence against women is not a private matter—it is a violation of fundamental human rights, and we must all take responsibility to stop it.”
Speaking on this year’s theme, ‘UNITE to Stop All Forms of Digital Violence Against Women and Girls’, she warned that digital violence is quickly becoming one of the most pervasive forms of abuse.
“Digital technology has created opportunities, but it has also opened the door to a new form of abuse—one many still do not fully understand,” she said.
She explained that digital violence includes online insults, threats, harassment, unauthorised sharing of images, blackmail, misinformation, and the use of mobile devices to monitor or control victims.
“Digital violence may not leave physical injuries, but the emotional and mental pain can be even more damaging,” she added, noting that many girls withdraw from school, religious activities, or leadership roles due to online abuse.
She urged parents, communities, and government agencies to take active roles in promoting safer digital practices.
“Children should not be left alone with phones without guidance. Families must teach safe online behaviour. Communities and religious leaders must speak openly about digital violence, and the state must have clear policies that punish online offenders and protect survivors,” she said.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, reminded participants of their responsibility as educators and caregivers.
“Teachers have a responsibility to take holistic care of children within and outside school premises. We must prioritise their welfare and tackle any issue that poses danger with every sense of responsibility,” she said.
Dr. Godwin expressed optimism about the campaign’s impact:
“If this number of participants takes the message to their friends and contemporaries, more girls will become conscious of how they use the digital space. We must protect our children and women because they are the most vulnerable.”
Participants at the workshop agreed that although the digital space comes with disadvantages, proper orientation can ensure that its benefits outweigh the risks.
Representatives of both Christian and Muslim groups described the event as an eye-opener and commended the organisers for their efforts in promoting a safer society.
One of the co-conveners, Mr. Samuel Tari, stressed the urgency of addressing digital violence.
“Violence now is not only on our streets and in our homes but right in our hands. The mental trauma caused by digital violence can be more lasting than physical abuse. It can even create opportunities for physical violence. We must watch our digital space carefully and consciously,” he said.
