FIDA Nigeria kicked off its 2025 Annual General Conference with a clear message: violence against women is evolving, and the country must confront the digital frontlines where much of that harm now takes place.
The four-day gathering, themed “Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Women’s Rights, Justice and Sustainable Development in Nigeria” brings together delegates from all 46 branches across the country. Since its founding in 1964 by Ambassador Aduke Alakija, FIDA has remained one of Nigeria’s strongest voices for the protection of women and children through legal services, advocacy, and community engagement.
Day One set a tone of solidarity and purpose. Senior officials, including the Country Vice President, Deputy Country Vice President, National Secretary, Assistant National Secretary Mrs. Nnena Ibokwe, National Treasurer Mrs. Beatrice Awa, Financial Secretary, Mrs. Nnedi, and representatives from Lagos, Epe, Ikorodu and other state branches stood together to sing the National Anthem, the FIDA Anthem, and the Women’s Anthem.
The conference opened with a sobering review of gender-based violence across Nigeria. According to FIDA, over 2,700 cases were handled within the last year alone, ranging from domestic abuse and harmful practices to the fast-growing wave of digital harassment.
Over the past year, the organization recorded:
120 religious leaders sensitized
105 new volunteers added to its network
1,100 community leaders trained
Traditional rulers in multiple states formally ending harmful practices
Justice dialogues held across Anambra, Edo, Oyo and Ondo
For FIDA, these figures are not just statistics, they’re progress markers in the ongoing struggle to protect the dignity and legal rights of vulnerable groups.
As they enter the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, FIDA Nigeria is turning national attention to digital violence, describing it as the “fastest-growing threat” faced by women and girls.
The organization warned about the rising scale of cyberbullying, trolling, doxxing, impersonation, image-based abuse, AI-generated sexual imagery, stalking and hate speech. They stressed that these acts often push women away from the digital spaces where education, business, and civic participation increasingly take place.
“The internet is being weaponized,” FIDA said in its statement. “Many women are withdrawing out of fear, harassment and identity theft. This is shrinking their opportunities in a world powered by technology.”
While Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act and VAPP Act offer some level of protection, FIDA argues that weak enforcement and low digital literacy continue to put women at risk
In its public statement, FIDA called on: Tech companies to strengthen safety systems
Government agencies to enforce existing laws more effectively
The public to uphold respectful digital behavior
Survivors to speak up, knowing they will be heard
“Digital violence cannot be dismissed as ‘just online,’” the statement read. “It carries real consequences and must be treated with urgency.”
The conference will continue with plenaries, workshops and strategic sessions that will shape the organization’s agenda for 2026, especially in areas touching on digital rights, community justice, and expanding access to legal aid.
Day One ended with media engagements and photos as delegates from across the country celebrated the organization’s ongoing work.
FIDA Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to stand united in the fight to end all forms of violence against women and girls, both offline and in the rapidly evolving digital world.
