EndMisogynyNG: JFC Engages Bond FM in Advocacy Against Online Gender-Based Violence

The General Manager of Bond FM, Lagos, Mrs. Adenike Adegoke, has commended Journalists For Christ (JFC) for its efforts in addressing misogyny and online gender-based violence (OGBV) through media advocacy.

She acknowledged the initiative during a visit by the JFC team, where she received souvenirs from the project.

Adegoke, who also serves as the Director of Planning at the Radio Nigeria National Broadcast Academy, emphasized the importance of bringing conversations around misogyny to the forefront.

The JFC project, supported by the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and Brot für die Welt, seeks to combat misogyny through monitoring, digital counter-narratives, and advocacy actions.

As part of its outreach, the JFC team were guests on Bond FM’s Yoruba program, Mo Fẹ́ Gbọ́, using the platform to discuss the impact of misogyny and OGBV while advocating for change.

“We appreciate Bond FM for giving us the opportunity to talk about our project to counter misogyny and online gender-based violence,” said JFC’s Admin Secretary, Dayo Emmanuel.

He highlighted the media’s influence in shaping public opinion, stating, “The reason we are using media advocacy is because of its reach. People tend to believe what they hear or read in the media, so we decided to bring our findings into the public space.”

Reflecting on the progress of the project, Emmanuel noted, “This advocacy has gained significant traction over the past year. We have engaged various groups and hope to see a decline in these harmful behaviors. Misogyny has existed for centuries, but this project is shedding new light on the issue and seeking solutions.”

JFC’s gender focal person, Funmi Falobi, highlighted the shift in how misogyny is now perpetuated.

“Previously, women were physically attacked, but today, technology has become the new tool for oppression. Social media, laptops, and mobile phones are being used to target women through online harassment, abuse, and the unauthorized sharing of intimate images,” she explained.

Falobi, who is also a mass communication lecturer at Caleb University, noted that research findings pointed to specific social media platforms as key spaces where misogyny thrives. “Our research identified about 500 cases, with Facebook and Twitter (now X) emerging as the most commonly used platforms for these acts. Of the 500 incidents, we found 60 that were directly relevant to our study,” she said.

Bond FM presenter, Abiodun Elugbaju, also condemned misogynistic behavior online, opening the phone lines for audience participation.

A caller, Pastor Alege, urged JFC to maintain its engagement with Bond FM to expand awareness. “Don’t be far from Bond FM. If JFC continues to use this platform frequently, they will reach more people and create greater awareness,” he advised.

Another caller, Pastor Ezra, emphasized the need for proactive solutions. “Misogyny has caused the deaths of many women. We need to find a way to win this battle,” he stated.

Listeners further called on religious leaders from various faiths to take up the responsibility of educating their followers about the dangers of misogyny and fostering a culture of respect and equality.

Report by Dayo Emmanuel