Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has vowed to intensify the fight against digital violence against women and girls in Anambra state.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the Executive Director, Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike stated this during a one-day road show by SIDEC’s Women of Resilience in collaboration with State Ministry of Health in commemoration of 16 days of activism.
The walk themed, “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls” drew women across the state, including divorces, single mothers, widows, those with disabilities and others who had experienced Gender Based Violence.
The women, carrying placards with varying inscriptions matched round the state capital and rounded up at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku.
Some of the placards read, “Stop deep fake image manipulation”, “stop hate speech”, “stop online harassment,” “stop digital violence against women”, among others.
Speaking during the walk, Ehiahuruike decried various forms of harassment and intimidation women had been subjected to, particularly on social media, including hate speech, fake news, misinformation, disinformation.
Ehiahuruike however expressed joy that the women had stood strong and tall amidst the various forms of violence.
“The walk is not only targeted at fighting digital violence against women and girls, but to celebrate as many as have survived digital violence.
“We’re here to celebrate our survivors. A lot of us have suffered discrimination, marginalization, yet, we’re standing tall and strong.
“The walk is targeted at fighting digital violence against women and girls as well as celebrating survivors of digital violence
“We’re also celebrating the interest of women who have suffered cyber bullying on social media and all manner of pull-her-down syndrome. We’re not fighting for equality, but for equity.” Ehiahuruike said.
She also stressed the need for increased advocacy aimed at getting the National Assembly to approve the Special Seats Bill which seeks to increase women representation in the legislative chambers and the state and national levels.
“It is a sad commentary that women representation in the legislative chambers is reducing steadily in every election circle. This Special Seats Bill will help us to address that problem.
“Truth must be told – women have done us proud in Nigeria and we have them in their thousands that can offer better and more effective political representation.
The bill is meant to give such women the chance to occupy the positions where they will prove their mettle to outdo men who have been there since 1999 Nigeria reverted to democracy.
Some participants including Uju Ananwude and Favour Nworah, pledged commitment to ensuring that women get greater share in terms of representation in the legislative chambers.
