The Embassy of France in Nigeria, in partnership with the Connect Network Foundation, has launched HER DIGITAL SHIELD, a bold campaign for the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This year’s global theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” focuses on strengthening safety, dignity, and justice for women in the digital age.
With online abuse rising including cyberstalking, impersonation, online blackmail, non-consensual image sharing, and targeted harassment this campaign offers timely intervention, education, and action.
Why HER DIGITAL SHIELD Matters
Digital platforms have become central to how women learn, work, lead, connect, and build opportunities. Yet, for many, online spaces have also become sources of fear and violation.
HER DIGITAL SHIELD addresses these challenges by:
- Educating women on cyber safety and digital rights
- Increasing awareness of the growing risks in online spaces
- Building resilience and confidence for women navigating digital platforms
- Providing knowledge on justice, redress, and reporting mechanisms
- Expanding access to safe digital communities
- Equipping girls and young women with essential cyber hygiene skills
The campaign reinforces one message: women deserve to be safe, respected, and empowered online.
A Strategic Partnership for Women’s Digital Safety
The collaboration between the Embassy of France in Nigeria and the Connect Network Foundation represents a powerful commitment to strengthening the protection and digital inclusion of women and girls.
France’s global leadership in promoting women’s rights aligns seamlessly with Connect Network Foundation’s mission of empowering women through education, advocacy, and digital innovation.
Together, both organizations are driving a shared vision: a Nigeria where every woman can participate in digital life without fear.
The Connect Her Network Mobile App: A Digital Safe Space for Women
A core part of this year’s campaign is the Connect Her Network Mobile App a women-only empowerment and networking platform created by the Connect Network Foundation.
The app provides a secure digital environment where women can access opportunities, connect with mentors, join professional communities, receive training, build digital skills, and engage in conversations without fear of harassment or intrusion.
Through HER DIGITAL SHIELD, the app becomes even more critical as a tool for:
- Digital safety education
- Awareness on online rights
- Access to GBV resources and referral pathways
- Safe conversations and peer support
- Career and leadership development
- Verified networking within a protected ecosystem
It is one of the few platforms in Nigeria intentionally designed to protect women’s digital dignity while expanding their opportunities.
What to Expect During the Campaign
Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, the HER DIGITAL SHIELD campaign will feature:
Digital rights awareness content
Community engagement and storytelling
Practical cyber safety tips
Online and offline conversations
Youth and women’s safety dialogues
App-based empowerment activities through the Connect Her Network Mobile App
Capacity-building sessions and resources
Every activity is designed to equip women and girls with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe and thrive in the digital world.
Standing Together to End Digital Violence
Digital violence is not just a technology issue it is a human rights issue.
By educating communities, strengthening awareness, and creating safe digital environments, we can protect women and girls from harm and empower them to participate fully in the digital future.
HER DIGITAL SHIELD is a call to action for all: institutions, parents, youth, leaders, and digital users.
Together, we can build an online world where women and girls can learn, lead, express themselves, innovate, and grow fearlessly and freely.
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