The Connect Network Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria, has unveiled a nationwide campaign aimed at curbing digital abuse and equipping young women with the skills to stay safe in online spaces.
The initiative, known as HER DIGITAL SHIELD, is led by the Foundation’s Founder and CEO, Ojiah Victoria Ogwuche (Kicky), and forms part of joint efforts to address the growing challenge of digital gender-based violence (DGBV) affecting women and girls across the country.
The Embassy of France is providing technical and institutional support to the campaign, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to promoting gender equality, digital rights and the protection of vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
Structured as a blend of online training sessions, expert dialogues, community engagements and social media advocacy, the campaign has already reached hundreds of young women.
Participants have received training on online identity protection, responding to cyberbullying, detecting digital manipulation, safe communication practices and channels for reporting digital abuse.
A national Digital Safety Pledge is also featured in the programme, encouraging young women to commit to creating safer digital environments for themselves and their peers.
The initiative reached a major milestone this week with the hosting of a physical empowerment seminar in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The event drew young women, digital rights advocates and community stakeholders for an intensive session on awareness and practical safety tools.
Speaking at the seminar, Ogwuche said the campaign is designed to build a sustainable movement that empowers women to reclaim their digital spaces.
“We are building a movement, not just a moment,” she said. “HER DIGITAL SHIELD is a long-term commitment to protecting women online and ensuring that technology becomes a tool for empowerment rather than harm.”
A key highlight of the Lokoja gathering was the inauguration of Digital Safety Ambassadors, a group of young leaders who will extend the campaign beyond its official duration through school outreaches, peer education, community mobilisation and digital activism.
The Embassy of France also reaffirmed its backing for the initiative, stressing the importance of international cooperation in addressing online violence and promoting gender inclusion in digital ecosystems.
Following the successful mobilisation in Kogi State, the Connect Network Foundation says it plans to take HER DIGITAL SHIELD to more states across Nigeria.
The goal is to build a nationwide network of Digital Safety Ambassadors who will drive awareness, advocate for policy implementation and inspire behavioural change.
The Foundation described the campaign as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through collaboration and collective responsibility, noting that the effort marks the beginning of a broader national drive to protect women and girls online.
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