The Programme for Christian and Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) on Thursday held a Community Walk for Advocacy and Awareness in Jos as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event, which took place at the Garden of Peace in the Plateau State capital, brought together government agencies, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, youth networks, the media, and community influencers.
Organized in collaboration with WOPPEN and the Justice Peace and Reconciliation Movement (JPRM), this year’s campaign carried the global theme “End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” alongside PROCMURA’s sub-theme “Communities Walk Against FORB Violations, Digital Violence and All Forms of GBV.”
The advocacy walk emphasized both the dangers of digital abuse and the need for stronger protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FORB).
Speaking at the event, Elder Ambassador Justina Mike Ngwobia, PROCMURA Coordinator for Plateau State, said the initiative aims to amplify the voices of grassroots communities that are often excluded from national conversations on gender-based violence.
“The 16 Days of Activism is a global movement, but many grassroots communities are not reached,” she said. “We are here to ensure their voices are heard. Women face numerous challenges, shaped by culture, environment, and religion. If we want sustainable development, women must be included in decision-making at all levels.”
Ngwobia added that digital violence—including cyberstalking, online harassment, hate speech, and deceptive trafficking schemes—remains a growing threat to women and girls, and must be confronted collectively.
Nanmak Bali, President of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network and Executive Coordinator of the Relief and Hope Foundation, described the initiative as part of broader peacebuilding efforts in the state.
“This is our contribution toward curbing violence against women,” he said. “Since this year’s focus is digital abuse, we are calling on everyone to be mindful of their online actions. If you do not have something positive to say—especially about women—don’t say it.”
Also speaking, Amina Ahmed of the Women Mediators Network urged the public to practice digital responsibility, warning that misuse of images, nudity, and abusive content online constitute serious violations of human rights.
“If you see harmful content online, report it or encourage the person who posted it to take it down,” she said. “Sharing such content makes you part of the abuse.”
The event concluded with collective reflections on FORB and digital safety, and a shared commitment by stakeholders to intensify action against all forms of gender-based violence.
