Grand Finale of 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Held in Asaba
The grand finale of the commemoration of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence organised by the Member Representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, in collaboration with the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN), has been held in Asaba.
The event, which took place at the Government House, Asaba, attracted students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across Delta State.
Delivering a keynote address, Hon. Anyafulu described the 16 Days of Activism as a global annual campaign aimed at ending all forms of violence against women and girls. She appreciated the National Female Students Association for their partnership and stressed that violence against women and girls is injurious, devastating, and deadly, not only to the direct victims but to society at large.
She noted that denying women and girls access to education, healthcare and inheritance rights, as well as child marriage and other discriminatory practices, constitutes a violation of their fundamental human rights. Hon. Anyafulu added that physical and mental abuse often results in long-term health challenges, disability, and in severe cases, death.
Speaking on the 2025 theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and the Girl Child”, the lawmaker highlighted the urgent need to secure the online space and protect females from emerging digital threats. She emphasised the dangers of online harassment, cyberbullying, image-based sexual abuse, and hate speech, calling for stronger laws to criminalise digital violence and hold technology companies accountable.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Pat Ajudua, and Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Meyiwa Uduaghan, urged tech platforms to prioritise online safety by removing abusive content promptly, enforcing codes of conduct, and improving their reporting systems. They also encouraged parents and communities to educate children on safe online practices.
Both commissioners commended Hon. Anyafulu and the students, noting that the programme would go a long way in enlightening young people on the dangers present in digital spaces.
In their remarks, the State President of NFSAN, Comrade Joy Olusesan, and her deputy, Comrade Daniella Abiagom, expressed gratitude to Hon. Anyafulu, describing the initiative as a major achievement for female students. They said the sensitisation campaign was aimed at reaching young people and addressing the discrimination faced by women and girls.
The grand finale concluded with a renewed call for collective action to protect women and girls both offline and online.
