By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
In commemoration of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism, the Sokoto State Community Dialogue Committee (CDC) Shuni, Gender Based Violence Response Team with sponsorship from the Global Rights have organized a day sensitization for select schools in Sokoto on Gender Based Digital Violence.
The event geared towards strengthening collaborations with school GBV clubs, educate and empower students on not only preventing but also reporting gender based violence, brought together students from Rochas Foundation College, Army Day Junior Secomday School, Hikima International School, High Profile Academy, Government Day Secondary School, Danbuwa, Command Day Secondary School, Giginya Barracks and Government Day Secondary School, Shuni all from Sokoto State.
Addressing participants in her welcome address, the chairperson of CDC/ Shuni GBV Response Team, Husaina Yakubu appealed that all hands must be in the deck to checkmate all forms of GBV even as she advocated for stronger enlightenment.
Speaking on the theme, “Understanding GBV ane Digital Violence” an ICT expert, Engr Yushau Aliyu said as digital access expands, students especially in Secondary schools are exposed to diverse forms of violence
According to him, the Digital Violence include harmful act using digital platform targeted at individuals based on their gender with women and girls being the most affected.
Yushau listed forms of Digital Based Violence to include cyber bullying, online harassment, dossing, non sensational image sharing, such as nude pictures, uncenssored images that cause damage and deep fake abuse amongst numerous others.
Yushau also hinted that Digital Gender Based Violence if not checked on time could lead to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and fears as well as acedemic career loss.
Talking on Digital Rights and Responsibilities, Yushau affirmed that everyone deserved to be saved online, hence respect for others confidentiality should be adhered to.
The Digital Expert encouraged students to help make digital spaces safe by promoting respectful behaviour online, speaking against gender based abuse, educating peers and creating atmosphere of mutual understanding.
Addressing the students on why
they should unite against GBV, the Gender Officer of Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Zinatu Abulkarim, said they should strive to understand how to prevent Digital Gender Based Violence.