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Digital Advocacy and Gender-Based Violence: Assessing Social Media Influence on Awareness and Support for Female Survivors in Nigeria

Amakiri, Rajini Ruhuoma, Dike Harcourt Whyte PhD

Abstract

This study examined the influence of digital advocacy and social media on awareness and support for female survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria, focusing specifically on residents of Rivers State. Utilizing a survey research design, data were collected from a diverse sample of 400 respondents to assess their exposure to gender-based violence campaigns, the impact of social media, and the extent of community support available to survivors. Findings reveal that while residents are significantly exposed to digital gender-based violence campaigns and social media platforms effectively increase public awareness and facilitate support-seeking behaviors, there remain notable gaps in institutional backing from law enforcement and persistent cultural barriers that limit comprehensive community support. The study underscores the dual nature of social media as both a catalyst for advocacy and a space where harmful narratives may persist, highlighting the need for integrated, culturally sensitive strategies to maximize the positive impact of digital advocacy on gender-based violence prevention and survivor support in Nigeria. This study concludes that while digital advocacy and social media have significantly enhanced awareness and mobilized support for female survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria, persistent gaps in institutional engagement and cultural barriers highlight the need for more integrated and context-sensitive approaches to effectively address and prevent gender-based violence. It is recommended that stakeholders intensify collaborative digital advocacy efforts while simultaneously addressing institutional gaps and cultural barriers to ensure more comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable support for female survivors of gender-based violence in Nigeria.

Keywords

Digital advocacygender-based violencesocial mediasocial change theoryconnective action theorysocial media influence

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