By Oluseyi Olarinde

16 days of activism are days set aside by the United nations to address gender based violence against women.

‎Going by the theme of this year’s event, “Unite to end digital violence against girls and women” panellists at a programme organized by the office of the wife of the governor of Oyo state, Chief Mrs Tamunominini Makinde gave some ideas on how to navigate the tech world and proffer answers to questions which had lingered when it comes to the digital world.

‎The panelists maintained that despite digital academic support that students enjoy from the internet, added that when handled carelessly the side effects might do more harm than good.
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‎One of the panelists, A Senior Special Assistant on Information Technology, ICT to governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Adebayo Akande, said students must be enlightened that the internet would always remember the good, the bad and the ugly content, hence the need for them to be careful of what they post on the social media.
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‎Mr Akande who said people should get along with the pace of advancement in social media world so as not to be caught unawares of fraudulent activities maintained that the student should take steps to protect their identity,never send nude pictures to anyone and should be very sensitive when it comes to the digital world.
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‎Another panelist, a Former Commissioner for Justice in Oyo state. Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN, reiterated the need to employ more counsellors in schools as students warm up to anyone with listening ears.
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‎Professor Oyewo also advocated training on digital for the teachers, explaining that they would be able to track the activities of the students on the internet.
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‎While describing the cell phone as a computer, he noted that the present generation is already migrating from pen and paper to digital hence the need for parents and teachers to be abreast of happenings in the digital world.
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‎Earlier the Commissioner for women affairs and social inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun in an address of welcome, gave some examples of gender based violence victims which the ministry had handled thereby confirming that the behavior still exists, therefore calling on the students to speak up and speak out, whenever they were being molested.
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‎Mrs Balogun said the ministry would train women and girls in the first quarter of next year on digital world.
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‎Chief Mrs Makinde in an address, cautioned the girls from been careless on social media, saying they should learn from past experiences where women and girls have been robbed of their dignity, health and future, by digital gender based violence.
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‎”The internet is a powerful tool that connects our world and helps us learn, work, and communicate, but the internet is also a pitfall. The internet is a platform where sometimes, women and girls are harassed, bullied, blackmailed and exploited”
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‎”Digital violence, just like physical violence, causes deep emotional and psychological harm. Digital violence silences voices, destroys confidence, and in some cases, leads to tragedy. Imagine the trauma of a woman or girl whose private photos are shared online without her consent. How would she face society after such a shame? Sadly, some girls have committed suicide because of the shame that followed”.
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‎”So let us all work together to end digital violence. As teachers, please teach your students how to stay safe online. Encourage them to raise any questions or concerns with respect to internet use. Encourage them to report any form of digital harassment or bullying without fear. Create safe spaces in your classrooms where girls can speak freely. And most importantly, promote kindness, respect, and digital responsibility among your students at every given opportunity. As young people, you must remember that the internet never forgets; every post, every comment, every image has lasting consequences; therefore be mindful of what you put on the internet”
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‎”However, our work is far from being done. Gender-based violence, whether digital, emotional, sexual, economic, or psychological, continues to rob women and girls of their health, dignity, and future. It leaves behind lasting scars, unwanted pregnancies, and in some cases, even death”
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‎”Therefore, as we mark the 16 days of activism today, let us renew our commitment to end all forms of violence against women and girls, whether offline or online. Let us unite to build a society where every woman and girl in Oyo State can live free from fear”
‎” Finally, let me use this opportunity to appreciate the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for the continuous support given to my office in organizing the annual 16 Days of Activism”
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‎Earlier, The students had held a walk ,with her Excellency and some states commissioners holding placards with inscriptions such as “‎Oyo State says no to child abuse”, “every voice counts”, stop domestic violence,say no to rape.
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‎Every year, the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign – which begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November to 10th December to raise awareness and inspire action to combat gender-based violence.

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