Says, Female Journalists continue to face harassment, intimidation and targeted abuse
As the global community marks the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Journalists for Christ International Outreach (JFC) has called for coordinated efforts to tackle the growing tide of digital violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
The organisation made the appeal on Monday in a statement aligned with this year’s global theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.” JFC warned that online spaces in Nigeria are becoming increasingly unsafe for women, especially female journalists, who continue to face harassment, intimidation and targeted abuse.
The call is based on findings from the group’s recently released report, #EndMisogynyNG: Media Monitoring Report on Misogyny and Online Violence Against Women, produced with support from WACC Global and Brot für die Welt. The report highlights rising patterns of tech-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV), including cyberstalking, doxxing, non-consensual image sharing, sexualised hate speech and coordinated online harassment.
According to the report, much of the abuse is deeply gendered, reflecting entrenched stereotypes that spill from the offline world into digital platforms. Female journalists and media professionals were cited as frequent targets, often subjected to attacks that question their competence, morality and physical appearance.
JFC noted that weak enforcement of online safety rules by social media companies, coupled with gaps in Nigeria’s legal framework, has allowed digital abuse to thrive with minimal accountability.
The organisation also welcomed recent progress in Lagos State, where a Draft Policy on Technology-Facilitated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence has undergone stakeholder review ahead of its scheduled launch on December 10. JFC said the move aligns with recommendations from the #EndMisogynyNG report, which calls for stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect women online.
Call to Action
JFC urged government agencies to strengthen legislation against online abuse, fast-track the implementation of the Lagos TF-GBV policy, and invest in digital safety education and survivor support systems.
Social media platforms were advised to enforce their community standards more transparently, improve reporting channels and prioritise the protection of women, particularly journalists and young women.
JFC also encouraged civil society and faith-based groups to raise awareness on digital safety, support victims and challenge harmful societal norms that fuel online violence. Media practitioners were asked to amplify survivor experiences and report responsibly on issues of online GBV.
Reiterating its commitment to this year’s campaign, JFC emphasized that digital violence has real consequences; psychological, economic and sometimes physical — and must be treated with the urgency it deserves. The group stressed that women and girls should be able to participate in digital spaces freely, safely and confidently.
The statement was signed by Mrs Ugonma Cokey, Vice President of JFC, with media enquiries directed to Mrs Funmi Falobi, the organisation’s Gender Lead.
Journalists for Christ International Outreach is a faith-based media organisation committed to promoting responsible journalism.
