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SOREX Nigeria Calls for Media Engagement and School-Based Digital Safety Education to Prevent Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
Recommendations put forward at national consultation in Abuja focus on public awareness and early education
ABUJA, 6th -7th october , 2026.
The Society for the Rights of the Excluded and Disempowered (SOREX Nigeria) has called for stronger media engagement and the inclusion of digital safety in school curricula as key strategies for preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV) in Nigeria.
The recommendations were made at the National Consultation and Planning Workshop on TF-GBV, held in Abuja on 6 and 7 October 2026. The workshop was organised under the Team Europe Initiative on Women’s Leadership in the Public ICT Sector (WLICT) and coordinated by Expertise France. It brought together representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations, the media and other sectors.
According to ActionAid Nigeria, 45 percent of women in Nigeria have experienced cyberstalking and 10.6 percent have faced doxing, the malicious exposure of private information online.
“Technology has opened new spaces for women and girls to learn, work and speak up, but it has also opened new ways to harm them. At SOREX, we believe no one should be pushed out of digital spaces by fear or abuse. Prevention has to start early and reach people where they are, which is why media engagement and digital safety education must work together.” said Jothan Mmuozoba, Exective Director , SOREX Nigeria
SOREX Nigeria was represented by Grace Udoekwere, Media and Communication Officer, and Geraldine Hillary, Programs officer
Media as a tool for prevention
Grace Udoekwere took part in discussions on the role of media in preventing TF-GBV. Her group explored how traditional and digital media can help people better understand consent, digital rights, online safety and acceptable behaviour in digital spaces.
The group recommended public awareness campaigns that give clear information on reporting channels and support services. It called for engagement with radio stations, journalists, influencers, content creators, civil society organisations and digital safety platforms. It also stressed the need for accessible, age-appropriate communication, including educational content for children and materials suitable for persons with disabilities.
Digital safety in the classroom
Geraldine Hillary took part in discussions on integrating digital safety and security into Nigeria’s school curriculum. Her group stressed the importance of early education, so that children can recognise and respond to online risks before they are harmed.
The group recommended integrating digital safety into basic education and the Family Life and HIV Education (FLHE) curriculum. Its other recommendations were:
- strengthening teachers’ capacity to handle digital safety concerns
- improving reporting and referral systems within schools
- establishing digital safety clubs and peer champions
- encouraging collaboration between Ministries of Education, UNESCO and other partners
Together, the two groups’ recommendations make a clear case. Media can help communities understand their digital rights and know where to seek help, while schools can give children the knowledge and skills to stay safe online.
Other issues discussed at the consultation included platform accountability, baseline assessments, reporting procedures, survivor support, the inclusion of young people and persons with disabilities, and capacity strengthening.
Next steps
SOREX is commited to planned campaign, follow-up with partners or school engagement for the success of this project
About SOREX Nigeria
The Society for the Rights of the Excluded and Disempowered (SOREX Nigeria) is a Nigerian nonprofit organisation based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It works at the intersection of human rights, climate justice, social protection, urban resilience and gender-inclusive development.
Media contact
Grace Udoekwere
Media and Communication Officer, SOREX Nigeria
grace.udoekwere@sorexnigeria.org
08109322550
About SOREX Nigeria :
SOREX is a Nigerian nonprofit organization working at the intersection of human rights, climate justice, social protection, urban resilience, and gender-inclusive development.
Media enquiries contact : grace.udoekwere@sorexnigeria.org