Stakeholders lament increase in online gender-based violence

Stakeholders have raised the alarm over an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) online, lamenting that the legal system makes it difficult to prosecute perpetrators in time.

They spoke in Ikeja, Lagos, at the launch of Lawbrella, a web tool for legal support against image-based sexual abuse (IBSA).

The launch was in partnership with the UK government, through its Digital Access Programme (DAP), and Tech Societal.

Lawbrella is a comprehensive web tool that goes beyond traditional legal support. It is a groundbreaking approach designed to connect victims of IBSA (popularly known as ‘revenge porn’) to dedicated technology lawyers committed to safeguarding the digital rights of women and children.

The founder and executive director of Tech Societal, Tope Ogundipe, said GBV online is under-reported in Nigeria and is not a subject many girls feel safe to discuss.

According to her, GBV is now more prevalent than the numbers that have been reported.

She said: “At times, victims cannot identify when they are victims. They don’t know when they are being exploited or abused online. There is a culture of silence and shaming in Nigeria, which doesn’t make victims speak up.

“We found people who have thriving businesses withdraw because of trauma. There are schoolgirls whose education suffers immensely. One of the saddest things we found are people who have taken steps to commit suicide.”

According to her, “With Lawbrella, we are not just offering legal support; we are fostering change. We are thrilled to have the support of the UK government through the Digital Access Programme in developing Lawbrella.

“This collaboration exemplifies the power of global partnerships in addressing digital inclusion and digital rights issues especially affecting vulnerable members of society, and creating impactful solutions. Lawbrella’s services include legal support for victims, advocacy for improved laws and policies, as well as education and awareness.”

Ogundipe added: “We seek to challenge injustice and inequity, create a safer digital world for all, and contribute to a better online landscape in Nigeria for women and girls, who are at greater risk of digital harm, which reduces or restricts their use of digital technologies. The tool is a firm advocate for privacy rights, ensuring the protection of personal information in the digital space.

“By launching Lawbrella, we are taking a proactive stance against digital abuse, placing legal resources directly into the hands of those who need them the most.”

In his remarks, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, underscored the urgent need for heightened awareness in the battle against online GBV, sexual abuse, and exploitation.

He said: “Violence against women and children is a chilling reminder of the destructive impacts of gender inequality around the world. Lawbrella is dedicated to empowering Nigerian women and girls, and providing them with necessary resources and support against sexual exploitation and online abuse.”

By Eniola Daniel,

Link: https://guardian.ng/news/stakeholders-lament-increase-in-online-gender-based-violence/?utm_source=pocket_mylist