SILENCING THE EFFECT OF MISOGYNY AND ONLINE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

EMPOWERING FEMALE JOURNALISTS AGAINST MISOGYNY AND ONLINE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Isn't it time to turn our voices into a unified roar of justice and compassion by silencing the effect of Misogyny and Online Gender-Based Violence?

Making this desire a reality, on 17th of August 2024, the Association for Christian Journalists and Allied Professionals hosted an inspiring forum at the JFC Office in Ogba, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The event aimed at  confronting Misogyny and Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) was part of a broader initiative supported by JFC-Journalist for Christ, WACC-World Association for Christian Communication, and Bread for the World-German Protestant Agency for Diaconia and Development.

Through thoughtful dialogue and insights from experts, the gathering served as a platform to orientate women in journalism on how to combat Misogyny and OGBV  through digital counter-narratives actions and advocacy.

Defining The Challenge:

Dr. Ifedolapo Ademosu opened the discussion by demystifying the concept of Misogyny and OGBV.

She highlighted that while both are rooted in prejudice against women, misogyny can manifest in various ways—both online and offline—whereas OGBV predominantly occurs in the digital realm. 

Emphasizing the grievous implications of these acts, she outlined behaviors such as cyberbullying, doxxing, and revenge porn as red flags.

The consequences can be devastating and it includes but not limited to- low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and even mental health struggles stemming from online harassment are few of the effects on its victims” she opined.

Dr. Ifedolapo Ademosu facilitating a conversation on the need to stop Mysogyny.

A Call for Vigilance and Empowerment:

Dr. Ademosu urged the female attendees to guard their online presence carefully. 

She advised, "Think critically about what personal information you share online.

Protect your personal life, as even routine posts can become tools for harassment." 

She further reinforced the message of awareness and shared proactive steps to foster personal safety.

“Blocking harassers can also be a way to help mitigate their impact as the recent use of A.I. and deep fake for manipulative images calls for vigilance in knowing what type of pictures you push out on social media platforms.

“Don't give out vivid details of your address, exact location or sensitive information about your life on social media.” Dr. Ademosu advised. 

Building Alliances in a Patriarchal Society:

Similarly, in a powerful assertion, Dr. Ademosu noted, "Misogyny can sometimes present itself subtly. Learn to make men your allies, not your adversaries." 

This statement resonated with attendees who were eager to navigate the intricacies of gender dynamics in a patriarchal society. 

A lively discussion ensued thereafter, with participants reflecting on the role of advocacy in breaking down barriers.

One attendee pointed out the potential intimidation some men feel in response to female empowerment movements.

 In a constructive response, Mrs. Funmi Falobi highlighted the importance of recognizing International Boy's Day and Father's Day, suggesting that awareness and celebration of men's roles could transform perceptions and promote harmony between genders.

A cross section of female students at the Mysogyny discussion.

Celebrating Core Values:

Echoing Mrs. Falobi's assertion, Mr. Falobi encouraged attendees to advocate against misogyny by recognizing the struggles men face within societal constructs as well.

 "Appeal to the king in them," he urged, calling for a celebration of values that foster mutual respect and understanding among genders.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

The session proved not only enlightening but also empowering.

Female students and recent graduates from institutions like the Nigeria Institute of Journalism  and the University of Lagos engaged actively, gaining crucial knowledge to navigate and advocate for a safer digital environment kick-starting with the use of hashtag #EndMisogynyNG practically.

Prominent figures in the person of Project Advisor, Mr Falobi, Mrs Funmi Falobi and Dr. Ifedolapo Ademosu who led the impactful discussion brought to fore the importance of building a supportive community stepped in respect and understanding. 

As the forum drew to a close, it left in its participants a shared commitment to counter misogyny and foster positive change—grounded in biblical principles of respect, love, and justice for all.

By addressing these challenges with clarity and hope, we can truly empower the next generation of female journalists to rise above cyber threats and advocate for a more equitable future.

A cross section of media practitioners and students from selected tertiary institutions during the OGBV and Misogyny conversation.

By 

Jimoh Elizabeth Oluwaseyi 

 ©𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕

~𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔, 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆

#EndMisogynyNG