Group Intensifies Campaign Against Digital Violence Against Women, Girls in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) on Tuesday restated its commitment to fighting digital violence against women and girls in Anambra state.

Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike stated this during a one-day road show by SIDEC women of resilience in collaboration with State Ministry of Health in commemoration of 16 days of activism.

The walk themed, “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls” drew women across the state, including divorces, single mothers, widows, those
with disabilities and others who had experienced Gender Based Violence.

The women, carrying placards with varying inscriptions matched round the state capital and rounded up at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku.

Some of the placards read, “Stop deep fake image manipulation”, “stop hate speech”, “stop online harassment,” “stop digital violence against women”, among others.

Speaking during the walk, Ehiahuruike decried various forms of harassment and intimidation women had been subjected to, particularly on social media, including hate speech, fake news, misinformation, disinformation.

She however expressed joy that the women had stood strong and tall amidst the various forms of violence.

According to her, the walk is not only targeted at fighting digital violence against women and girls, but to celebrate as many as have survived digital violence.

She, “We’re here to celebrate our survivors. A lot of us have suffered discrimination, marginalization, yet, we’re standing tall and strong.

“The walk is targeted at fighting digital violence against women and girls as well as celebrating survivors of digital violence

“We’re also celebrating the interest of women who have suffered cyber bullying on social media and all manner of pull-her-down syndrome. We’re not fighting for equality, but for equity.”