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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Gombe state government has launched the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with a policy push to confront growing threat of technology-facilitated abuse targeting women and girls.
The flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday at the Pantami Township Stadium brought together top government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, civil society groups, security agencies, and women’s organisations.
Speaking at the event, the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the state is amplifying its commitment to protect women and girls both offline and online, noting that this year’s theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls” reflects emerging realities in an increasingly digital society.
She warned that GBV in all its forms, physical, emotional, economic, or digital continues to destroy lives and impede progress. “It is not a distant problem; it is happening in our communities, and we must confront it together,” she stated.
Hajiya Asma’u stressed that perpetrators will face full legal consequences under relevant state and national laws, while urging survivors to speak up and seek support. She further called on technology platforms, civil society, traditional leaders, men, and youth to take responsibility for safeguarding online spaces.
“Digital violence, whether harassment, defamation, or cyberstalking is a growing threat. We must unite across cultures, religions, and districts to build a Gombe where technology empowers, not harms,” she said.
In her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, underscored the urgency of tackling digital abuse, noting its disproportionate impact on women and girls. She outlined the state’s program of activities, which includes the official flag-off by the Governor’s Wife, humanitarian visits to health and orphanage facilities, and a statewide sensitisation campaign across all 11 LGAs.
She emphasised that the ministry will distribute legal frameworks on the protection of women, children, and vulnerable persons while strengthening partnerships for policy enforcement. The Commissioner commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for providing steady support and an enabling environment for gender programmes to thrive.
“We appreciate the commitment of our stakeholders, CSOs, traditional leaders, security agencies, and the media. This coordinated effort is essential in breaking the silence around digital violence,” she added.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the judiciary, Justice Zainab Abdulkadir Rashid, representing the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima Sadiya Muhammad, described digital violence as “real violence” with far-reaching personal, psychological, social, and economic consequences.
She highlighted rising cases of cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, and impersonation, noting that such crimes spill into real-world harm for victims.
Justice Rashid reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing relevant laws including the VAPP Act, Child Rights Law, and other legal instruments. She said ongoing reforms are enhancing the capacity of magistrates and high courts to handle child protection and cybercrime cases with fairness and sensitivity.
