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The constant presence of digital technology in our lives today has brought many benefits. However, within this large online environment, which often lacks proper oversight, the use of technology to harm women and girls (technology-facilitated gender-based violence, or TFGBV) is a serious problem that is emerging. This is more significant than online insults or rudeness; it is a growing and worsening threat that extends beyond the internet. It impacts the real world and endangers the safety, health, and fundamental rights of women and girls in Nigeria and across the globe.
“When women and girls are forced to self-censor for fear of online attacks, their voices are stifled, their participation in public life curtailed, and our collective progress suffers.”
Think for a moment about the sheer violation of a woman’s most private photos splashed across the internet without her say. Imagine the constant dread of cyberstalking, every click and scroll tracked, a chilling shadow hanging over your online life. Online grooming, a devastating betrayal where trust becomes a weapon, is another horrifying way technology is used to inflict profound harm on women and girls simply because of their gender. This is not a rare occurrence; it’s a growing and terrifying reality.
TFGBV takes myriad forms, each leaving its own trail of devastation. Sextortion, image-based abuse, doxxing, cyberbullying, online gender and sexual harassment, cyberstalking, online grooming, hacking, hate speech, and online impersonation – the list is long and constantly evolving. What begins as a digital violation can swiftly escalate, blurring the lines between online and offline abuse, culminating in the most extreme acts of violence, including femicide. The consequences are far-reaching, impacting not only individual survivors but also their families, communities, and the very fabric of our society. When women and girls are forced to self-censor for fear of online attacks, their voices are stifled, their participation in public life curtailed, and our collective progress suffers.
The urgency of this whole issue struck me during a critical session I was part of in New York last month, alongside the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW69). Linda Raftree, founder of The MERL Tech Initiative, convened a very diverse and passionate group of experts, advocates, and practitioners for a Women’s Rights Salon. The discussions were intense, almost heavy, as we faced the stark truth of technology being used to hurt women and girls online and the growing threat that AI presents.
One thing that stuck with me from the salon was the absolute necessity of taking a trauma-informed approach when we’re dealing with TFGBV. You realise the deep emotional scars these violations leave and how critical it is to support survivors in a way that understands that. Plus, there was an emphasis on how we can’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Cultural sensitivity has to be front and centre, and making sure we’re actually listening to and including the voices of all women and girls, especially those who are often marginalised, in how we build technology and the rules around it felt very important. When we started talking about what we can actually do, ideas ranged from boosting digital skills to tougher legal frameworks and holding tech companies accountable.
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For the development sector, the Women’s Rights Salon highlighted the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures against TFGBV as digital solutions increase. Ethical AI design and data practices are now fundamental for protecting vulnerable populations.
When you consider the complexities of this issue, it becomes clear that organisations with deep roots in local contexts and a strong commitment to using technology for social good are essential. Their years spent navigating diverse environments provide a valuable understanding of what’s truly needed on the ground. This kind of on-the-ground experience offers a critical perspective on how to approach ethical AI and data practices within the development sector. They’ve learnt firsthand the importance of handling complex data responsibly and have often prioritised innovation that safeguards and respects the communities they serve. Organisations like eHealth Africa come to mind in this regard.
Business leaders in Nigeria and globally must urgently collaborate and invest in solutions through partnerships, research, safety initiatives, and regulations to combat TFGBV for a more just future.
The core of the matter is this: technology itself is not inherently malicious. As the UNFPA has rightly emphasised, it possesses significant potential to advance gender equality, stimulate economic growth, and broaden access to essential services. It can also amplify the voices of marginalised communities and create pathways towards empowerment. However, a critical point remains: we must collectively ensure that this powerful tool is not perverted into an instrument of subjugation and violence.
The digital battleground is real, and the stakes are incredibly high. We cannot afford to stand idly by while TFGBV continues to erode the progress we have made in advancing women’s rights. Decisive action and collaboration are urgently needed to build a safe and dignified digital world for all, as the future of countless women and girls hinges on the choices we make now.
Ota Akhigbe is the Director of Partnerships and Programmes at eHealth Africa, bringing over 16 years of experience in leveraging technology for development across Africa. Her insights in this article reflect her deep commitment to ethical technology and its impact on vulnerable populations.
