From TheNewpad Team
Finding a balance between free expression and digital access on the one hand, and the prevention of various kinds of harm on the other, has become a hugely challenging task, especially in an era where advocacy no longer exists only on the streets and in courtrooms.
But also in phones, emails and social media platforms, civil society actors in Edo State are increasingly facing a new battlefield — the digital space with measurable civic knowledge and practical solutions in real time.
From cyber harassment and phishing attacks to data theft and online intimidation, human rights defenders and social advocates are becoming vulnerable targets while carrying out their duties.
It was against this backdrop that stakeholders gathered in Benin City for a three-day safety and digital protection training aimed at equipping civil society actors with skills to protect themselves, their data and the vulnerable people they support.
The training, organised by Women’s Rights And Health Project (WRAHP) for Civil Society Organisations in Edo State, brought together 25 human rights defenders, gender advocates and development workers to discuss the growing threats associated with digital engagement and sensitive advocacy work.
Speaking during the training, the Executive Director of Women’s Right and Health Project, Bose Ironsi, said the programme was designed not only to strengthen advocacy work, but also to ensure the safety of those providing support to victims of abuse and injustice.
According to her, many activists and civil society actors unknowingly expose themselves to risks while handling sensitive cases, especially in an age where digital footprints can easily be tracked and manipulated.
“One of the critical reasons why this training is important is also to protect those who are helping others. They are human rights defenders and they need to protect themselves against all forms of attacks, threats and exposure,” she said.
For many participants, the training served as a reminder that danger does not always come physically. Sometimes, it comes through suspicious links, hacked emails, fake identities and manipulated online relationships.
Ironsi explained that beyond digital protection, the programme also focused on safeguarding — a preventive approach aimed at protecting both advocates and victims from further harm.
The ED noted that participants were trained on how to respond professionally to sensitive cases without exposing themselves or the victims involved.
“We are also training them on safeguarding because safeguarding is key in terms of prevention and protection,” she stated.
The initiative, she added, is currently taking place in Edo and Lagos-based State, with participants expected to step down the knowledge in their various organisations and communities.
Also speaking, programme Facilitator and ICT expert, Ndukwe Onugu, painted a vivid picture of the silent dangers lurking in the digital environment.
Using practical demonstrations, he exposed participants to common cyber threats such as phishing, social engineering and online infiltration tactics often used to steal sensitive information.
According to him, many cyber attackers now disguise themselves as trusted friends or associates, gradually gaining access to confidential information before exploiting their victims.
“There are people around them who may appear like friends, build trust over time and then exploit them by pulling out sensitive data or making confidential information public,” he explained.
He said the training helped participants understand how to secure their devices, identify fake links and better manage sensitive project information.
For the participants working daily with survivors of domestic violence, abuse and human rights violations, the lessons went beyond technology. They became lessons about trust, caution and survival in an increasingly connected world.
As digital threats continue to evolve alongside advocacy efforts, the stakeholders said trainings like this may soon become as important as fieldwork itself — because protecting defenders has now become part of defending rights.
