MRA Calls for Action Against Online Abuse of Women

On International Women's Day, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) issued a statement urging the Nigerian government and security agencies to prosecute individuals who abuse women online. Ms.

Ayomide Ewej, an official at MRA, highlighted the increasing weaponization of digital platforms against women, which facilitates gender-based violence, including cyberbullying and harassment. She noted that such attacks create a hostile environment that discourages women from participating in public discourse.

Ewej emphasized that these actions lead to a chilling effect, limiting women's access to critical information and reducing their ability to hold government and public institutions accountable. The MRA called for the deployment of digital tools to protect women and ensure the investigation and prosecution of offenders under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.

The organization stressed the importance of safeguarding women's voices in the digital space rather than suppressing legitimate expressions of dissent.