Kenya and Nigeria Women Leaders Unite to Tackle Online Violence Against Women.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi – Women leaders from Kenya and Nigeria have pledged stronger action to combat technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, declaring the digital space a new frontier of abuse that must be urgently addressed.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day roundtable in Nairobi, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founder of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), said the convening was a powerful demonstration of solidarity in the fight against violence targeting women and girls.
The roundtable, jointly organized by WARDC and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya, with support from the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women (UNTF), brings together feminist leaders, activists, and policymakers to chart new strategies for protection and accountability.
Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi reminded participants that violence against women remains deeply rooted in society, stripping women of dignity, safety, and opportunity. She stressed that the rise of digital spaces has introduced new forms of abuse, including harassment, surveillance, and exploitation.
“Today we affirm that the digital space is not gender-neutral. It is increasingly a site of violence against women and girls. We must act,” she said.
The WARDC project, Strengthening Inter-generational Movements to Demand Accountability and Combat Technology-Facilitated Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa, seeks to empower feminist movements and amplify advocacy for systemic change. Its key objectives include strengthening women’s rights organizations, enhancing leadership, and pushing for bold policy reforms.
Participants at the Nairobi dialogue demanded gender-responsive cyber laws, stronger institutions to respond to digital abuse, accountability from tech platforms, and closer collaboration among women’s rights groups and governments. They also called for massive public awareness campaigns to safeguard women and girls online.
As discussions continue, leaders emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue, where the wisdom of elders meets the energy of youth to drive change.
“We must leave here with a renewed sense of purpose to build a future where every woman and girl can not only survive but thrive, free from violence and harm,” Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi urged.
The forum marks a growing regional momentum to confront online and offline violence against women, reinforcing the message that women’s rights must be protected in every space.
