Cross River tinkers on laws to tackle digital violence, gender-based violence, violence against vulnerable individuals

Edema Irom, the Cross River State Women Affairs Commissioner said issues that border on digital violence will no longer be trivialized in the state.

She disclosed this in a goodwill message during a symposium on 16 days of Activism and International Day of Persons with disability.

The event was organized by the Cross River Ministry of Women Affairs with support from the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA.

The commissioner emphasized that the government is looking at laws that will help tackle digital violence, gender-based violence and the vulnerable.

In her words, “The issue of digital violence will no longer be trivialized. This administration is looking at enabling laws that will help us tackle digital violence, gender-based violence and the vulnerable”, she said.

A gender expert, Jacque Karungi who presented address from the Head of UNFPA Cross River Sub-Office Dr. Andrew Kirima said since 2021, UNFPA has been a world leader in calling for action to end technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

He called on parents and teachers to speak openly and non judgmentally to adolescents about the people and content they are encountering online.

He also emphasized that realizing rights and choices for all in today’s world depends on the safe use of technology.

A critical stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, Dr. Juliana Diwa says mimicking persons with disability online constitutes a form of digital violence.

She said that a society that excludes persons with disability is a society that limits its own progress and that disability inclusion is not charity but social justice, democracy and economic strategy.

This year’s 16 days of activism is themed: “unite to end digital violence against women and girls” as well as a sub theme: “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

By: Archibong Emmanuel

(Snr. Reporter)