Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, has joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child under the 2025 theme: “Empowering Girls for a Digital Future – Ending Online and Offline Violence.”
A statement signed by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, read, “As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that persist, we are particularly concerned about the evolving threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence in Nigeria—a shadow pandemic disproportionately affecting girls across the country.
“Girls today are increasingly exposed to digital risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming, image-based sexual abuse, sextortion, and digital stalking—all of which threaten their safety, dignity, and mental well-being.
“These violations are not confined to the virtual realm; they bleed into girls’ offline lives, resulting in fear, trauma, and withdrawal from education, leadership, and public participation.”
Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi stated that the normalization of tech-enabled abuse, along with a culture that often shames victims instead of holding perpetrators accountable, reflects the broader societal neglect of girls’ rights and voices noting that many girls lack access to justice, mental health support, or digital literacy skills that could protect them in an increasingly online world.
In addition, she said that to digital threats, Nigerian girls continue to face systemic and entrenched challenges, including: “Early and Forced Marriage: Thousands of girls are forced into marriages each year, stripping them of their rights to education, bodily autonomy, and childhood.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Girls remain highly vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse, often without access to survivor-centered justice systems or health services.
“Educational Disparity: Over 10 million Nigerian children are out of school—most of them girls, especially in conflict-affected and rural regions.
“Period Poverty and Poor Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Many girls miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products and safe hygiene facilities, undermining their health and dignity.
“Underrepresentation in STEM and Digital Sectors: Girls remain excluded from the digital economy, limiting their ability to participate in and shape the future of technology.”
She said that WARDC, asserts that empowering the girl child was not a privilege—it is a necessity and to bridge the gender digital divide and protect girls from both virtual and physical violence, urgent, coordinated action is required across all sectors.
In its calls to action, the organization stated; To the Government of Nigeria: “Fully implement and enforce the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill and the Cybercrime Act, with provisions that address gender-specific risks and protect girls online.
“Establish and fund national frameworks to prevent, monitor, and respond to technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
“Invest in gender-responsive education, prioritizing access to STEM and digital literacy programs for girls.”
To Law Enforcement and the Judiciary:
“Ensure swift, survivor-centered investigation and prosecution of digital and sexual violence cases involving girls.
“Provide mandatory training for officers and judicial personnel on handling tech-related violence and child protection.”
To Digital Platforms and Technology Companies: “Design and enforce robust safety features, privacy tools, and real-time content moderation to prevent abuse.
“Collaborate with civil society to report abuse transparently and provide accessible reporting channels for young users.”
To Civil Society and the Media:
“Amplify girls’ stories and raise awareness of their digital and offline struggles.
“Promote digital rights education and challenge harmful gender stereotypes that fuel violence.”
To Families and Communities:
“Encourage and support girls to speak up, pursue education, and access digital spaces safely.
“Create safe, inclusive environments where girls can express themselves, learn, and lead.”
Concluding, the WARDC statement said, “On this International Day of the Girl Child, WARDC reaffirms its commitment to a Nigeria where every girl is safe, valued, educated, and digitally empowered.
“The future belongs to our girls—and we all have a duty to ensure that they reach it free from violence, inequality, and exclusion. Let us act now to build a just, inclusive digital future where no girl is left behind.”
Background on the International Day of the Girl Child
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, was declared by the United Nations in 2012 to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face worldwide. This day serves as a global platform to amplify the voices of girls, advocate for their rights, and call attention to the gender-based discrimination and violence that limit their potential. It also encourages global and local action to address issues such as education, child marriage, gender-based violence, and, increasingly, the digital divide that affects girls’ ability to thrive in the 21st century.
