MRBHCF Flags Off 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism, Calls for Urgent Action on Digital Violence Against Women and Girls

By Iyojo Ameh

The Mind Renewal and Behavioural Health Care Foundation (MRBHCF) has officially launched the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a strong call for nationwide action to combat the rising threat of digital violence targeting women and girls.

The flag-off, which took place today, centres on the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.” MRBHCF, a mental health-focused organisation, warned that Nigeria is facing an emerging crisis of psychological harm inflicted through digital platforms an issue it says has become one of the fastest growing forms of gender-based abuse.
The was made known in a statement signed by Francis Anzaku Mark, Country Director and Head of Programme, MRBHCF, in Abuja.

According to the Foundation, digital violence including cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital stalking, misinformation, hate speech, and technology facilitated coercion has left deep but often unseen emotional scars. The organisation noted that victims frequently experience anxiety, fear, shame, depression, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts, and long-term trauma.

“For many survivors, the violence follows them everywhere on their phones, in their homes, and in their minds,” MRBHCF stated, stressing that “Digital safety is mental health safety. Violence in online spaces is real violence.”

The Foundation linked the rise in digital abuse to the broader challenges facing Nigeria, including insecurity, economic hardship, community violence, and humanitarian crises, all contributing to heightened mental distress. It emphasised that psychological safety must be considered a component of national security, especially for women and girls who already face elevated risks of physical and sexual violence.

The organisation urged coordinated action from key stakeholders like Government Agencies, Security Agencies, Technology Companies & Telecom Operators, Parents, Educators & Community Leaders and Civil Society & Mental Health Advocates.

MRBHCF also announced a series of engagements across Abuja and Nasarawa during the 16-day campaign, including:
Digital safety awareness sessions for adolescent girls and young women, Mental health first aid training for survivors of digital violence, Capacity-building workshops for parents, teachers, and community leaders, Psychosocial support and trauma counselling, Community dialogues and policy advocacy and Youth-led campaigns promoting responsible digital behaviour

These activities, MRBHCF noted, are rooted in the belief that ending gender-based violence both offline and online is essential to building mentally healthy and resilient communities.

The Foundation appealed to all Nigerians men, women, youth groups, religious leaders, teachers, policymakers, influencers, and the media to collectively resist digital violence.

“Silence emboldens perpetrators. Action heals communities. Unity protects lives,” the organisation stated.

MRBHCF reaffirmed its mission to protect the mind, strengthen resilience, and restore dignity, declaring that every Nigerian woman and girl deserves to feel safe everywhere, including in digital spaces.