Stakeholders have called for stronger measures to combat online gender-based violence, tackle gendered disinformation and promote women’s participation in Nigeria’s democratic processes ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The call was made during a strategic dialogue organised by Brainbuilders Youth Development Initiative in partnership with FactCheck Africa and CIVICUS. The event brought together advocates, religious leaders, security representatives and civil society stakeholders to discuss the challenges limiting women’s participation in civic and political life.
The dialogue, themed “From Silence to Safeguard: Faith, Tradition and Women’s Place in Nigeria’s Democracy,” was held on October 26, 2026, at Ivy Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Brainbuilders Youth Development Initiative, Ms Nurah Jimoh Sanni, highlighted the challenges women face in society, stressing the need to protect their reputations and create opportunities for their meaningful participation in democratic processes.
A presentation by Mr Abideen Olasupo, titled “Setting the Scene: What the Evidence Shows,” examined findings from a pre-election digital threat assessment on gendered disinformation. He discussed how societal perceptions influence women’s involvement in elections and political activities, while emphasising the importance of solidarity among women.
During a panel session titled “Faith, Tradition and Women in Public Life,” moderated by the founder of Naija Feminist Media, Ms Simbiat Bakare, participants examined how religious beliefs and cultural expectations shape women’s access to leadership and governance.
Pastor Richard Kehinde Oyeyemi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God stressed the importance of sincerity and good intentions, noting that an individual’s actions reflect what is in their heart.
Similarly, Alhaja Amudat Moji Olanipekun of the Lagos State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) maintained that humanity should take precedence over religious differences.
She acknowledged that Nigerian society remains largely male-dominated but insisted that this should not prevent women from taking their rightful place in politics and governance.
According to her, women must be included in decision-making processes rather than being confined to domestic responsibilities, adding that effective governance requires the contributions of both men and women.
She also advocated initiatives to promote women as role models and strengthen their empowerment, political awareness and digital literacy to encourage greater participation in elections.
The dialogue also examined the cultural and social pressures that discourage survivors and witnesses from reporting gender-based violence.
At a session titled “From Norms to Protection: ‘What Will People Say?’”, led by Brainbuilders Youth Development Initiative’s Programme Associate, Ms Aduragbemi Abifarin, participants discussed how fear of public judgment, societal expectations and prevailing cultural norms often silence victims of abuse, both online and offline.
Abifarin questioned whether circulating information about an individual could genuinely be considered an act of protection, drawing attention to the reputational and personal harm that may result from sharing private information and unverified allegations.
The Administrative Officer and Gender Desk Officer at the Lagos State Police Command, ASP Esther Igbineweka, identified fear of perpetrators, social beliefs and cultural barriers as some of the factors preventing survivors and witnesses from reporting gender-based violence.
She encouraged community members to approach the police Family Support Unit (FSU) to report cases and urged women to understand their rights and use trusted reporting channels.
Also speaking, Ms Jennifer Nwokedike, Director of Resource Mobilisation and Grants at the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre Africa, advised victims of online abuse to preserve relevant evidence, including screenshots and links, to support their complaints.
She further encouraged survivors to seek legal assistance and psychosocial support.
The need for responsible online engagement also featured prominently during another panel session moderated by Ms Feyisayo Olatunde, Research Associate at Brainbuilders Youth Development Initiative.
A Digital Democracy Champion, Mr Oluwa Segun Kugbadi, called for greater vigilance in identifying and addressing misinformation and disinformation across digital platforms.
He urged participants to take responsibility for their online activities and avoid sharing false or misleading information, warning against contributing to the spread of harmful content.
The discussion highlighted the role of responsible digital engagement in protecting individuals, particularly women, from online attacks and creating a safer environment for civic and political participation.
In its concluding discussions, the dialogue underscored the need for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations, religious institutions, security agencies and communities to address the social, cultural and digital barriers affecting women.
Participants emphasised that empowering women through political and digital literacy, providing accessible reporting channels, and ensuring legal and psychosocial support for survivors are essential to building a more inclusive democratic environment.
They also called for a shift in societal attitudes that discourage women from seeking leadership positions, stressing that women must be able to participate safely and meaningfully in public life as Nigeria approaches the 2027 General Elections.
