Technology literacy can empower survivors by giving them a voice – social media platforms, online forums, and support networks provide safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences, seek advice, and connect with others who have faced similar situations. This sense of community and validation is invaluable, fostering a collective support system that can help victims on their journey towards healing.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects individuals across the globe, irrespective of their age, ethnicity, or socio-economic background. In Nigeria, GBV is a pressing concern that demands urgent attention. It encompasses various forms such as domestic violence, sexual assault, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and human trafficking.
The outbreak of the global pandemic in 2020 has significantly worsened instances of gender-based violence, prompting the introduction of the National GBV Data Situation Room and Dashboard in November of the same year. This dashboard, a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative, serves as a comprehensive source of information on violence against women and girls. The available data, collected by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), reveals a steady increase in reported cases of GBV from 2019 until 7th February 2023.
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, one that incorporates education, awareness, and the effective use of technology. In recent years, technology literacy has emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against GBV, empowering individuals, fostering education, and providing avenues for support and intervention.
Technology literacy refers to the ability to access, comprehend, and effectively utilise digital technologies. It plays a pivotal role in today’s interconnected world, enabling individuals to communicate, access information, and engage with society. For victims of GBV, technology literacy offers a lifeline, providing them with a platform to seek support, share their stories, and connect with organisations working to end violence of all ages.
My interview with Fatima has much to say; living in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, a group of passionate technologists and activists came together to establish the Digital Empowerment Centre (DEC). Their mission was to bridge the gender gap in technology literacy and empower women through digital skills. The DEC was equipped with state-of-the-art computer labs, high-speed internet, and a team of dedicated trainers.
They offered free training programs that covered various aspects of technology, including coding, web development, data analysis, and digital marketing. One of the DEC’s success stories was Fatima, a young woman from a modest background. Growing up, Fatima had limited access to technology, and societal expectations confined her to traditional gender roles. However, she had an innate curiosity and a desire to learn.
Through word-of-mouth, Fatima stated, “I discovered the DEC and enrolled in their coding program. Initially, I felt overwhelmed and doubted my abilities because of my background. But the patient and supportive trainers at the DEC guided me through the learning process.” As Fatima gained proficiency in coding, her confidence grew. She started participating in local hackathons and tech competitions, showcasing her skills and ideas.
Now her innovative project, a mobile application aimed at improving access to healthcare in underserved communities in the suburb of Lagos, received recognition and funding from a tech start-up incubator first from DEC. With the knowledge and networks, she acquired, Fatima established her own tech company – “FAT HUB”, employing other women who had also received training at the DEC. Together, they developed impactful solutions that addressed societal challenges, such as e-learning platforms for remote education and mobile banking services for unbanked communities.
Further, by harnessing the power of technology, Nigeria can make significant strides in reducing GBV and promoting gender equality. In doing this, one of the most challenging aspects of addressing GBV is breaking the silence surrounding it. Victims often feel trapped and isolated, afraid to speak out due to fear, shame, or lack of support.
Technology literacy can empower survivors by giving them a voice – social media platforms, online forums, and support networks provide safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences, seek advice, and connect with others who have faced similar situations. This sense of community and validation is invaluable, fostering a collective support system that can help victims on their journey towards healing.
Further, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual global observance established by the United Nations (UN) and celebrated on March 8th to raise awareness about issues impacting women and girls. The theme for the 2023 celebration was “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.” As part of the event, women from various organisations, schools, and vulnerable communities received training on utilising technology to address gender-based violence (GBV). The aim of the program was to address the gender gap in access to the internet and technology, which has predominantly favoured males. By providing these training opportunities, girls are given a platform to connect with peers in different settings, enabling them to share opinions, express themselves, and collectively find solutions to their challenges.
Education is a crucial component in the fight against GBV – by promoting technology literacy among individuals, particularly women and girls, Nigeria can empower them with knowledge and resources to recognise, prevent, and respond to acts of violence. Technology offers a wealth of educational resources, from online courses and tutorials to informative websites and interactive applications.
Neelam Saxena Chandra, an Indian poet and author, offers a comprehensive perspective on this matter and presents a thought-provoking conclusion. Chandra emphasises that “merely providing education to a child, particularly a girl, is not sufficient to navigate the constraints imposed by traditional norms. It is crucial to empower her with education while also instilling the strength to resist the negative influences of societal pressures, which often weigh her down.” The preservation of her life and dignity should take precedence over the concern for “what will people say?” Chandra suggests that a little emotional support from parents can transform the life of a daughter who endures abuse from her in-laws, enabling her to find beauty amidst adversity.
Access to these tools can enhance awareness about GBV, challenge harmful stereotypes, and promote healthy relationships based on respect and equality. Additionally, technology literacy can facilitate the dissemination of information on available support services. Many organisations and helplines operate online platforms, making it easier for survivors to access immediate assistance. Moreover, by educating the wider population on the consequences of GBV, technology literacy can help shift societal attitudes, promoting a culture of zero tolerance towards violence.
Also, reporting incidents of GBV is essential for holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for survivors. Technology literacy can simplify and streamline this process. Mobile applications and web-based reporting platforms can enable victims to report incidents anonymously and securely. By bypassing traditional barriers such as fear of “retaliation” or lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms, technology empowers survivors to take action, thereby facilitating prompt intervention and investigation. Technology literacy can also aid in the collection and analysis of data related to GBV.
By leveraging digital tools, organisations can gather accurate and comprehensive data on the prevalence, trends, and patterns of violence. This data-driven approach enables policymakers in Nigeria, law enforcement agencies – The Nigerian Prison Service, Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) etc, and activists to develop evidence-based strategies and policies that effectively further combat GBV.