International Day of the Girl Child: Spaces for Change empowers girls in Lagos communities with digital safety skills, others
Spaces for Change in collaboration with Communities Alliance Against Displacement, have marked this year’s International Day of the Girl Child with an event themed “Empowering Voices: Safeguarding Girls’ Rights in Digital Spaces.”
The event, held on Friday at the Ojo-Niyun Sports Centre Hall in Ebute-Meta, was attended by several school girls between the ages of 10 and 18 from marginalised communities. Experts in digital and women’s rights facilitated the event.
According to the organisers, the aim was to equip the girls from marginalised communities with the knowledge and skills to safely and confidently express themselves in digital environments, laying the foundation for their future leadership in the digital age.
“In today’s increasingly digital world, online spaces play a crucial role in shaping social, educational, and professional futures. However, girls from marginalized communities often face significant barriers, including online harassment, cyberbullying, and a lack of awareness of their digital rights. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring these girls can envision and build a future where their voices are not only heard but protected. By empowering them with digital literacy and safety skills, we enable them to take control of their online presence and future opportunities,” they say.
The facilitators made presentations on topics including; ‘Girls’ Vision for a Safe Digital Future,’ ‘Understanding Digital Rights and Online Freedom of Expression,’ ‘Online Safety & Privacy for Future Empowerment,’ and ‘Building Leadership and Advocacy Skills,’ among others.