The RACE Centre has launched the Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) Tracker, an artificial intelligence-powered platform aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to online gender-based violence through improved documentation, data analysis and evidence based policymaking.
The unveiling, held at the Los Angeles Event Center in Jahi, Abuja, brought together representatives of government agencies, law enforcement institutions, civil society organisations, technology experts and development partners to explore how technology can be leveraged to address the growing threat of online abuse targeting women and girls.
The event featured keynote presentations, a live demonstration of the AI-powered OGBV Tracker and a high level panel discussion focused on using credible data to drive advocacy, improve institutional responses and shape policies that protect women and girls in digital spaces.
Participants stressed the importance of moving beyond anecdotal reports by generating reliable data that can reveal trends, document incidents, and strengthen national efforts to tackle online gender based violence.
Panelists from the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside civil society organisations, discussed strategies for translating data generated by the platform into practical policy reforms and more effective law enforcement interventions.
Speakers also emphasized that protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of survivors must remain central to all data collection and management processes, ensuring ethical standards are upheld while promoting accountability.
The programme also featured spoken-word performances and artistic presentations highlighting the lived experiences of survivors, reinforcing the human impact of online abuse and the urgent need for safer, more inclusive digital spaces where women and girls can participate without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The official unveiling of the OGBV Tracker was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a media engagement session aimed at raising public awareness and encouraging broader stakeholder support for the initiative.
Speaking at the launch, Executive Director of the RACE Centre, Evelyn Igbe, described the platform as a major milestone in advancing coordinated efforts to combat online gender-based violence.
She said the tracker would provide credible, data-driven insights to support evidence-based advocacy, strengthen institutional accountability, and improve protection mechanisms for women and girls in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Participants concluded by calling for sustained collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, technology companies and development partners to ensure the data generated through the OGBV Tracker translates into concrete action, informed policymaking and safer online environments nationwide.
