Chinedum Elekwachi
The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has pledged to intensify advocacy and action against digital violence targeting women and girls in Anambra State.
Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, made the commitment during a one-day road walk organised by SIDEC Women of Resilience in partnership with the State Ministry of Health, as part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The awareness walk, themed “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” brought together women from diverse backgrounds — widows, single mothers, divorcees, women with disabilities, and survivors of various forms of gender-based violence.
With placards raised high, they marched through Awka before converging at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku.
Some placards carried bold messages such as “Stop Deepfake Manipulation,” “End Online Harassment,” “No to Hate Speech,” “Stop Digital Violence Against Women.”
Speaking during the event, Ehiahuruike lamented the rising cases of online abuse, including hate speech, cyberstalking, fake news distribution and misinformation — violations that have continued to silence women or push them into withdrawal.
Women’s courage celebrated
Yet, she celebrated the courage of those who have endured and survived such experiences.
“We are here to celebrate our survivors,” she said.
“Many of us have faced discrimination, marginalisation, cyberbullying and attempts to tear women down — yet we are standing, bold and unbroken.
“Today, we demand equity, not just equality,” Ehiahuruike said stressing the need for increased advocacy to push the National Assembly to pass the Special Seats Bill aimed at improving women’s representation in political leadership.
“Women’s representation in parliaments keeps declining every election cycle,” she noted.
“This Bill will open the door for thousands of capable women ready to serve, to lead, and to prove their competence in governance — something this nation urgently needs.”
Some participants, including Uju Ananwude and Favour Nworah, pledged to actively support ongoing efforts to secure greater legislative representation for women and amplify voices against digital violence.
