Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Awka, Anambra State — In a significant reflection of the state’s dual commitment to peacebuilding and the protection of vulnerable populations, Anambra State has reported that more than 3,000 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms this year, even as stakeholders highlight the recent enactment of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2025 as a landmark legal tool to safeguard women and girls from digital harms and online abuses.
Officials, civil society actors and women’s rights advocates gathered in the state capital to mark an important phase of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, centred around the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls”. The occasion provided a platform for reflection on the scale of GBV in the state and the strategies that have been deployed to strengthen both traditional and emergent forms of protection.
According to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, Anambra recorded roughly 4,000 cases of gender-based violence and child protection concerns in the year to date, underscoring the persistent challenge such abuses present in the state. Of this total, more than 3,000 cases were successfully reconciled through ADR — a structured process that promotes dialogue, mediation and community-oriented resolutions aimed at mitigating conflict and restoring relationships without prolonged litigation.
ADR has long been valued within Anambra and other parts of Nigeria for its culturally sensitive approach to resolving interpersonal disputes, particularly in contexts where victims and affected families seek closure and societal harmony rather than protracted criminal trials. Proponents argue that ADR, when applied in cases of domestic violence, interpersonal abuse, and non-severe GBV incidents, can reduce the burden on courts and foster more sustainable community reintegration for all parties involved. However, human rights defenders also emphasise that ADR must be implemented with caution and safeguards to ensure that the rights and wellbeing of survivors are prioritised and not undermined in the interest of expediency.
While ADR has played a measurable role in addressing reported cases, a subset of more complex and severe GBV matters — including sexual assault or cases involving significant physical harm — were referred for prosecution and, in many instances, have resulted in legal convictions. Out of the approximately 4,000 complaints reported, about 400 such cases were brought before the courts, leading to verdicts that advocates say help reinforce deterrence and accountability.
Beyond the traditional forms of GBV, one of the most pressing concerns identified by activists and policymakers in Anambra relates to the emergence of digital threats targeting women and girls. As smartphones and internet access expand across Nigeria, the potential for technology-facilitated gender-based violence — including cyberbullying, online stalking, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images — has grown substantially.
The recent passage of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2025 has been welcomed by stakeholders as a significant step in addressing these evolving harms. The law, which criminalises a range of online abuses, explicitly provides punishments for behaviours such as cyberbullying and digital harassment, aiming to protect vulnerable populations in virtual spaces. Under its provisions, individuals who engage in technology-enabled acts that harm women and girls may face penalties, including custodial sentences.
During the activism event in Awka, representatives from the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and other civil society organisations praised the new Act, noting that it fills a critical gap in Nigeria’s legal architecture by formally recognising online violence as a punishable offence. Advocates say that this development is particularly important for young women and girls, who they contend are disproportionately affected by cyber-enabled abuse yet often lack clear avenues for redress.
Legal experts and women’s rights advocates have also pointed out that while criminalising digital violence is an important first step, effective implementation will hinge on raising public awareness of the law, improving digital literacy, and ensuring that enforcement agencies are properly trained to investigate and act on cybercrime complaints. Networks such as ActionAid Nigeria have highlighted that digital violence continues to mirror offline power imbalances, with many women and girls facing coordinated harassment and gendered misinformation that can silence their voices and restrict their civic participation.
Despite these advancements, the broader landscape of gender-based violence in Anambra and nationwide remains deeply concerning. At the federal level, recent government data indicates that more than 10,000 GBV cases were recorded across Nigeria between January and September 2025, with hundreds of survivors receiving care and support services. This underscores the scale of the issue beyond state borders and reflects similar patterns observed in Anambra.
Local advocacy groups have also drawn attention to persistent service gaps that affect survivors’ ability to access care and justice. Reports from grassroots organisations highlight challenges including limited availability of safe shelters, uneven data collection on GBV incidents, and the need for expanded psychosocial support — particularly for survivors in rural and underserved communities. These groups argue that robust data collection and adequate infrastructure are essential for designing effective interventions and ensuring that survivors are not left without recourse or protection.
In response to these gaps, civil society organisations like the AIDS, TB and Malaria (ATM) Network have called for strengthened partnerships with the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, emphasising the role of coordinated referral pathways, community awareness campaigns, and survivor-centred service delivery. Proponents of these collaborations contend that integrating civil society insights with government policy can deepen protection, increase reporting of GBV cases, and reduce stigma within communities.
The 16 Days of Activism event in Awka brought together not only government officials and legal practitioners but also women’s rights activists, community leaders, journalists, and everyday citizens. Participants underscored that ending GBV — in both physical and digital domains — requires sustained collective action across sectors, from law enforcement and judicial systems to media and educational institutions.
Speakers at the event reiterated that while legal frameworks such as the Cybercrime Act 2025 and existing protections against physical violence form a necessary legal backbone, transformation also depends on changing social norms, improving public awareness, and equipping young people with the tools to navigate digital spaces safely.
“This year’s campaign serves as a reminder that violence against women and girls is not confined to the home or the street — it now exists in the digital realm, and our laws must evolve to reflect that reality,” one advocate said, echoing a broader call for integrated prevention and response strategies.
As Anambra closes another year marked by concentrated efforts against gender-based violence, officials and activists alike acknowledge progress while also pointing to the road ahead. The use of ADR to resolve the majority of cases illustrates how community-based solutions can play a significant role in peacebuilding, while the introduction of cybercrime protections signals legislative adaptation to contemporary threats. Still, stakeholders emphasise that legal tools must be paired with strong implementation, resourcing, and community engagement to achieve lasting impact.
For many advocates, the focus now turns to ensuring that survivors are supported beyond their initial cases, that enforcement of new digital protections is rapid and fair, and that prevention strategies are woven into schools, workplaces and online platforms alike. With continued political will, partnerships, and public commitment, Anambra’s approach to GBV could serve as an example of integrated, responsive governance in a changing social and technological landscape.
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