At the You Matter Charity Foundation, we remain committed to protecting women and girls from all forms of abuse. On Tuesday in Asaba, Our Founder, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, flagged off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, calling for urgent collective action to address the rising cases of digital abuse.
This year’s theme, “Unite! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” reflects the growing threats females face on digital platforms. We urge communities, institutions, and families to break the culture of silence that enables abusers to thrive both online and offline.
In her address, Deaconess Oborevwori commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, for mobilising groups across the state for the campaign. She described digital violence as a daily reality for many girls and women, warning that countless victims continue to suffer in silence because their complaints are dismissed or ignored.
“This injustice will no longer be tolerated,” she declared, condemning the widespread tendency to shield perpetrators—even by women themselves—at the expense of victims. She cited the tragic case of Ochanya, repeatedly violated by her aunt’s husband and son while her guardian protected the abusers, as an example of the horrors many victims endure in silence.
Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori leads You Matter Charity Foundation to mark 2025 16 Days of Activism
Deaconess Oborevwori emphasized that protecting women and girls is a shared responsibility, stressing that security agencies can only act on cases that are reported. She reaffirmed her commitment to collaborate with ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and faith-based organisations in the fight against gender-based violence.
Earlier, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, noted that women across Delta State were prepared to embark on activities marking the 16 Days of Activism. She reiterated the importance of addressing growing cases of digital violence against girls and women.
Also speaking, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, urged parents—especially mothers—to closely monitor their children and listen to them without intimidation. He warned that shielding offenders only enables further abuse, citing recent cases in Delta State, including a father sexually abusing his three teenage daughters and a pastor molesting a teenage church member. He stressed that sensitisation must target both female and male children with equal intensity.
Director of VAP Law in Delta State, Mrs. Uche Akamagwuna, revealed that minors now account for about 50% of gender-based violence victims. She said the campaign would help strengthen accountability mechanisms and urged groups to submit their data to the Ministry of Women Affairs. She also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for domesticating the Violence Against Persons Law, which has expanded access to justice for victims.
Representing the Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), the Director of Sexual Offences, Domestic Violence and Child Rights at the Ministry of Justice, Oghoro Onome Roseline, highlighted ongoing initiatives strengthening the justice system’s response to sexual and domestic violence.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign from November 25 to December 10 that seeks to raise awareness, promote action, and end all forms of violence against women and girls, including digital abuse. During this period, communities, governments, and organizations conduct advocacy, education, and reporting initiatives to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
At the You Matter Charity Foundation, we stand united with partners and stakeholders to ensure that every woman and girl is safe, heard, and empowered.
