Digital violence is rapidly emerging as a severe threat to the inclusion of women living with disabilities in Nigeria. This form of abuse is eroding their self-confidence, limiting their involvement in public discussions, and endangering their contributions to peacebuilding efforts across the nation.
High-Level Dialogue Sounds Alarm in Abuja
The stark warning was delivered by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at a major policy dialogue held in Abuja. The event, organized on December 6, 2025, was a collaboration between her ministry, the Network of Women with Disabilities, and the Strengthening Peace and Resilience (SPRING) programme.
Themed "Policy Dialogue on Digital Safety, Access and Literacy: Amplifying Voices of Women with Disabilities," the forum was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and preceded the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that online intimidation and harassment are intensifying stigma and preventing meaningful participation for this vulnerable group. She emphasized that the gender digital divide remains "persistent and dangerous," with women facing double discrimination based on both gender and disability.
Launch of a New Platform for Protection and Leadership
A key outcome of the dialogue was the formal introduction of the Women with Disabilities Network for Peace and Security (WDNPS). This new national platform aims to boost the leadership, visibility, and safety of women with disabilities.
The Minister connected digital safety to broader national goals, stating, "Digital empowerment must go hand-in-hand with guaranteed safety online and offline. Bridging this divide is not optional; it is central to the survival of inclusive peacebuilding."
She pointed to government initiatives like the Happy Woman App and the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programme as part of the response. Notably, she highlighted that Nigeria's Third National Action Plan (NAP III) for Women, Peace and Security now includes disability inclusion for the first time.
Experts Call for Stronger Partnerships Against Digital Threats
Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Leader for the Tetra Tech SPRING Programme, explained the urgent need for the dialogue. He noted that as digital spaces become primary arenas for human interaction, they also increasingly host violence, exclusion, and false information.
"We felt it was important to convene this platform... to discuss a serious issue in our times, the threats women increasingly face in the digital space," Dr. Ukiwo said.
He outlined that the SPRING programme assists Nigeria in confronting key conflict drivers such as:
- Weapons proliferation
- Drug abuse
- Hate speech
- Systemic exclusion
The programme also works to promote women's roles in politics, governance, and the economy while enhancing protection from all forms of violence. Dr. Ukiwo added that conflicts over natural resources and climate change are further complicating violence trends, making inclusive peacebuilding more critical.
Commitment to Enforcing Disability Rights
Representing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ezio Michael reaffirmed the Commission's dedication to implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act. He mentioned the rollout of the National Certificate of Conscience to improve accountability.
"We must break down physical, social and systemic barriers. This is how we build a nation where everyone can thrive," Michael asserted.
The collective message from Abuja is clear: without safe and accessible digital spaces, the meaningful participation of women with disabilities in Nigeria's social, economic, and peacebuilding processes remains under serious threat, demanding immediate and concrete policy and partnership actions.
