16 days of activism: Bauchi CSO calls for safe digital space for women, girls

A Bauchi-based civil society organisation, Journalists for Public Health Development (J4PD), has decried a situation where girls and women are being harassed and bullied in cyberspace just because of their gender.

Marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism against GBV, the CSO stressed that the situation calls for concern, urging authorities to ensure a safe digital environment for girls and women.

The event, which was held at Dogo Yaro roundabout, a strategic location in Bauchi, along the Dass road, brought together civil society groups and journalists to advocate for an end to digital violence against girl-child and women.

Speaking at the occasion on Wednesday, the Executive Director of J4PD, Elizabeth Kah, said, “Enough is enough. We have to unite to end cyberbullying, harassment, and violence against women and girls.”

She stressed further that, “Government must formulate policies to safeguard online spaces and promote digital literacy, especially in schools.”

J4PD outrightly condemned harmful norms fueling online abuse, encouraging voices to speak out against cyber harassment and bullying of girls and women.

According to her, “Let’s create a safe digital space where everyone can express themselves freely, without fear of attack or intimidation.”

Also speaking, Chairperson of the Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Rashida Yusuf, called for sustained media advocacy and public enlightenment on preventing and reporting GBV.

She said that while some cases of abuse are reported, many others remain undocumented, a development that negates the fight against GBV.

Rashida Yusuf commended J4PD for its continued advocacy on public health and social issues, saying that it is gradually paying off with the recent approval of 6-month paid leave for nursing and lactating mothers that are in the civil service.

A representative of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr Kaltume Shu’aibu, encouraged victims of abuse or online harassment to report cases promptly to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.

Participants at the rally were seen displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Let every girl grow up unafraid”, “Inclusion means safety for every woman and girl”, and “Speak out, silence protects abusers.”

J4PD, though a Professional inclined CSO, has support from the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) through the Bauchi State Coordinating office.