By Bunmi Yekini
Mrs. Bunmi Orekoya, Mr. Sunday Nnadi, Comrade Ololade Gbajumo, Mrs. Victoria Godwin-Ejeh, Mrs. Babatola, Chineye Onuorah, and Mrs. Doyin Ogundipe.
The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress Women Commission (TUCWC) has launched its 2025 “16 Days of Activism” campaign with a call for stronger action against digital violence targeting women and girls.
Held at Queens College Hall, Yaba, the event brought together government officials, union leaders, students, teachers and advocacy groups to address what organisers described as a rapidly growing threat in online spaces.
“We must recognise that both girls and boys have a role to play in creating safe digital environments,” said Comrade Ololade Gbajumo, Chairperson of TUCWC Lagos State, who opened the programme and moderated the panel session. “This fight is not for women alone. It is for everyone who believes in respect and dignity online.”
Representatives of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), and the National Chairperson of TUCWC attended the event, signalling what organisers called “strong cross-sector collaboration.”
Panel discussions featured contributions from legal experts, teachers, community leaders and civil society advocates. Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the state’s Attorney-General (represented by Mrs. Babatola), urged institutions to prioritise digital safety. “Online abuse is evolving, and our response must evolve with it,” he said. “We need stronger awareness, stronger reporting systems and stronger community engagement.”
Chineye Onuorah, Project Director at the Regalo Hope Foundation, said digital violence is often underestimated. “The emotional and psychological impact of cyberbullying and image-based abuse can be devastating,” she said. “Educating young people early is critical.”
Mrs. Victoria Godwin-Ejeh, a Montessori directress, echoed the concerns. “Schools must be intentional about online safety,” she said. “We cannot allow our children to navigate the digital world unprotected.”
The TUCWC Lagos EXCO, Union Women Representatives, NLCWC Lagos State and Evolve Charity were recognised for their contributions. Special appreciation was also extended to five participating schools for releasing students to join the discussions.
Speakers emphasised cyberbullying, online harassment and image-based abuse, sharing practical strategies to make digital spaces safer for students, workers and families.
The initiative is part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. The event ended with what organisers described as a “collective call to action.” Gbajumo urged participants to take the message back to their communities. “We must move from conversation to commitment,” she said. “Everyone here today has a responsibility to help build respectful and inclusive digital spaces.”