Contribution short abstract:

Cyber violence limits young women’s digital participation. This study explores awareness, prevalence and resistance among female undergraduates in Southwest Nigeria, highlighting digital activism’s role in fostering solidarity and safer online spaces

Contribution long abstract:

Cyber violence (CV) has a significant impact on young women, hindering their digital participation and activism. According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, one out of every ten women has faced discrimination by the age of 15, which highlights the urgent need for gender-sensitive digital policies. While CV silences many, youth-led digital mobilization is emerging as a form of resistance. This study examines awareness, prevalence, and activism around CV among female undergraduates at a Southwest Nigerian university. Using a mixed-method approach, including surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs), data was collected from 350 female students and seven university officials. Findings reveal that while many students encounter CV, low awareness and fear of stigma hinder reporting and resistance.

Nonetheless, emerging digital movements led by young people are promoting solidarity and advocacy, with young women using social media to share their experiences, demand accountability, and advocate for institutional reforms. By situating CV within urban youth activism, this study highlights how young women mobilize to regain online spaces and advocate for digital safety. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing youth-driven interventions and cross-generational collaborations to effectively combat online gender-based violence.