The Ondo State Government has announced a robust lineup of activities to mark the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with this year’s campaign placing special emphasis on the growing threat of digital violence against women and girls.
At a press conference held in Akure on Monday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, unveiled the programme of events and expressed deep concern over rising incidents of online harassment, cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, revenge pornography, and other forms of digital abuse across the state.
Dr. Osamaye noted that while technology has transformed communication and created new opportunities, it has also enabled new forms of violence that often go unnoticed.
“Technology should be a tool for empowerment, not a weapon of harm,” she said.“Digital violence is silent, pervasive, and frequently overlooked. Our fight against gender-based violence is incomplete without addressing these online threats.”
The 2025 edition, running from 25 November to 10 December, aligns with the global theme and centres on raising awareness, strengthening response structures, and promoting collective action.
Key activities include:
- Nov 25: Official flag-off, press briefing, and symbolic Orange the World illumination at the Ministry
- Nov 26: Awareness walk and roadshow across major streets in Akure
- Nov 29: Training sessions for law enforcement officers, first responders, and youth sensitisation on consent, cyberbullying, and safe online behaviour
- Dec 1: Engagement with the Men and Boys Forum under the HeForShe initiative
- Dec 3: Free legal clinic in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, NBA, and FIDA
- Dec 8: Statewide social media marathon and release of digital GBV short documentaries
- Dec 10: Grand closing ceremony featuring awards, cultural displays, and launch of a GBV Action Plan communiqué
Dr. Osamaye added that inclusivity remains a priority, revealing that the programme is designed to reach persons with disabilities, rural women, market women, and survivors requiring psychosocial, medical, or economic support.
She announced that the Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, will lead a high-level advocacy event on Monday, December 1, 2025, as part of efforts to galvanise public support.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Chief Executive of ROTDOW, Mrs. Olabisi Omolona, commended the Ministry for its unwavering commitment to gender justice and its active stance against GBV.
Stakeholders present—including officials of the Ministry, representatives of the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, women-focused NGOs, development partners, and traditional/community leaders—lauded the government’s political will and expanded response to both offline and online GBV.
They warned that digital violence is becoming increasingly widespread as more young people gain access to smartphones and social media platforms.
According to them, combating the menace requires community engagement, continuous sensitisation, moral upbringing, prompt reporting, and stronger online protection systems.
They also encouraged survivors not to suffer in silence but to seek help through available support channels.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual United Nations–backed global campaign observed in more than 187 countries. It aims to raise awareness, influence policy, and inspire action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
Ondo State’s active participation, stakeholders said, further reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to promoting safety, dignity, and equal rights for women and girls—especially in today’s digital age.