Mohamed Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, has cautioned that technology-facilitated abuse is emerging as one of the most perilous and rapidly proliferating forms of gender-based violence, urging governments, technology firms, and communities to implement more robust measures to safeguard women and girls.
During a speech at the UN House in Abuja today, at the United Nations and Partners Orange Lighting Convening to celebrate the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Fall stated that the world is experiencing a new frontier of damage, according to The PUNCH.
“This evening, we unite in solidarity, hope, and a singular voice for women, girls, and justice,” he commenced, addressing government officials, diplomats, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and media and technology partners.
He asserts that although violence against women is not a novel phenomenon, its manifestation is evolving. It has infiltrated our screens, dialogues, and digital environments where we work, learn, and reside.
Fall characterized digital abuse as “real,” including cyberstalking, sextortion, impersonation, and the dissemination of non-consensual photos as prevalent threats confronting women online.
“Hate speech that persists across multiple platforms targeting women.” Every message intended to instill fear. Every post intended to suppress. Every assault aimed to exclude a woman from public life. The resident coordinator stated, “We cannot permit that.”
The UN representative observed that despite an increasing number of Nigerian women assuming leadership positions, they continue to encounter disparities in access to power and protection.
“An increasing number of women are coming forward.” An increasing number of women are participating in competitions. An increasing number of women are assuming leadership roles. Momentum is increasing—and we must safeguard it,” he stated.
According to the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey, he stated that “one in five women aged 15–49 has experienced physical or sexual violence.”
Fall described the figures as distressing yet reflective of some advancement, stating, “physical violence is diminishing.” The incidence of sexual violence is decreasing. As one door closes, another threat emerges online.
He cautioned that technology-enabled violence poses a threat to livelihoods. It erodes confidence. It suppresses women’s voices in politics, educational institutions, professional environments, and communities.
Fall recognized the measures undertaken by the Nigerian government, particularly the ongoing enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, initiatives to enhance cybercrime legislation, and attempts to increase women’s political representation.
“These steps are significant.” They promote Goal 5. They advance Nigeria towards a future where equality is tangible, not merely rhetorical,” he stated.
He emphasized the necessity for more robust measures. “Safer digital environments are essential.” Stronger enforcement of legislation is required. Investment in digital literacy for both girls and boys is essential. “We require policies that safeguard women online with the same rigor as those implemented offline,” he stated.
The UN official urged technology corporations to operate “responsibly and transparently” and called upon communities—including families, educators, religious leaders, and journalists—to “act as defenders of respect and dignity.”
This year’s global theme, “UNiTE! End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” is described by Fall as “a call to action.” He asserts that online abuse is not private. It is accessible to the public. It is of a political nature. It is foundational. “The responsibility of ending it lies with everyone.”
Fall reiterated the UN’s dedication: “The UN in Nigeria supports the Government.” We support civil society. We support all survivors who will not be silenced.
He concluded by reiterating the statement of UN Secretary-General António Guterres: “Violence against women and girls constitutes a violation of human rights.” It is unequivocally unacceptable. It is unequivocally intolerable. It is never predetermined. It must conclude.
The UN reports that roughly one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence over her lifetime. Digital platforms, first perceived as venues for connection and opportunity, have progressively transformed into arenas of abuse, encompassing harassment, stalking, sextortion, non-consensual dissemination of private photos, and orchestrated online assaults.
Research indicates that as many as 85 percent of women worldwide have encountered or observed some type of online abuse, particularly those in public roles—such as journalists, human rights advocates, and young female activists—who are most often victimized.
The situation in Nigeria is profoundly alarming. Each year, thousands of instances of gender-based violence are documented, with several additional incidents remaining unreported owing to stigma, fear, and restricted access to justice. The swift expansion of internet usage and social media has increasingly subjected women and girls to digital risks, exacerbating offline violence and hindering their engagement in civic and public domains.
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