The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Enugu State Chapter, and Human Rights Activists have bemoaned increasing violence against women, including digital violence, calling on women to rise up against the inhumane activities, build peace, and protect their integrity.
They made the call on Thursday at the 2025 Christmas party and end of the year congress of NAWOJ held at the Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi NUJ Press Center, Enugu.
Delivering her address, a former National Vice-President of NAWOJ and Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) Dr Nkiru Onuorah, observed that Women have the power to rebuild homes, strengthen communities, and shape the future of the nation.
She described women as the emotional backbone of families, noting that no society can achieve lasting progress without peaceful homes led by wise and empowered women.
Onuorah stressed that family peace is more than the absence of conflict, adding that it is built on understanding, forgiveness, unity, and the presence of love. “Every home is like a garden. Without peace, the garden withers, but where peace is present, everything grows,” she said.
She cited several biblical texts, including Proverbs 14:1 and Psalm 133, highlighting the roles women play in shaping values, strengthening relationships, building communication, and setting the spiritual tone of the household.
According to her, a peaceful woman nurtures a peaceful environment where children thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually, adding that peace in the families contributes directly to national development. She explained that peaceful homes encourage better decision-making, reduce stress, improve health, enhance financial stability, and invite God’s blessings. “When the heart is calm, people can think, work, and innovate,” she said.
Addressing women journalists specifically, she urged NAWOJ members to use their voices and platforms responsibly, emphasising that “journalism carries the power to shape public opinion, heal or destroy, unite or divide.” She called on female journalists to amplify stories of hope, defend truth in an age of misinformation, and advocate for vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“Your pen is a bridge, use it to unite, not divide,” she advised, stressing that credibility remains the journalist’s greatest capital.
She described Christmas as a season of light and renewal, and reminded participants that the world depends on the leadership, empathy, and resilience that women bring. She urged NAWOJ members to be “beacons of peace within their homes, workplaces, and the wider society.”
Dr. Onuorah noted that when a woman “chooses peace, builds peace, and sustains peace, the entire family rises into greatness.”
In her goodwill message, former Chairperson of NAWOJ, Enugu chapter, and former Vice-President, NAWOJ, South East zone, Comrade Chieso Aninwagba, said women play a vital role in the peace, stability, and progress of the family, the community, and society at large.
She noted that women’s influence shapes not only the structure of the family but the society. In his goodwill message, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu State Council, Chairman, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, commended NAWOJ members for their various contributions in the NUJ and society at large.
He urged them to continue to be peace builders. He assured continuous support to NAWOJ. In her Keynote address, a Human Rights Activist, Dr. Nnenna Alozie, noted that Women are naturally peacemakers and effective conflict-resolution agents.
She said that “Through patience, empathy, and emotional strength, they help maintain harmony within the household”.
One of their most important contributions is setting moral and ethical standards that children and other family members learn to follow, according to Alozie. She urged women to protect the children as well as themselves and fight against digital violence against women.
Delivering her address on “The Role of Women” and “Power in Every Post: Digital Activism Against Digital Violence”, Dr Alozie also charged women journalists to report objectively without hurting anyone, adding they should always protect the integrity of women.
“A peaceful home environment largely depends on the presence and guidance of women. Their ability to nurture, motivate, and support family members promotes unity and emotional well-being. By helping design positive routines, encouraging good behaviour, and fostering understanding, women strengthen family bonds,” Alozie said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the state Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Ngene said the theme of the event, “Family Peace and Progress: The Role of Women” and “Power in Every Post: Digital Activism Against Digital Violence,” was quite apt.
She emphasized the critical role women journalists play both in the home and in the digital public space. She described women as “the anchors of understanding, unity, and stability within families,” while also highlighting their responsibility as journalists to uphold truth and public enlightenment.
Ngene expressed concern over the rising cases of domestic violence, emotional strain, and family breakdowns witnessed in recent times. She noted that these challenges make it imperative for women to adopt stronger roles as mediators and peacemakers.
According to her, the increasing wave of digital violence, including harassment, cyberbullying, misinformation, and online attacks targeted at women, especially female journalists, is worrisome.
She also said, “The digital space has become both a tool for empowerment and a platform where many women face intimidation and abuse,” urging participants to use technology responsibly and strategically. She said that digital activism is no longer optional for women journalists, but an essential tool for advocacy and societal change.
She stressed that every social media post carries influence and should be used to challenge harmful narratives, protect vulnerable voices, and promote dignity and truth. “Women and journalists shape communities. Our voices influence public opinion and inspire positive change. A peaceful home is the foundation of a stable society,” she said.
She said that the program was aimed to “strengthen the capacity of female journalists to advocate for safer digital spaces, promote tools and skills for fostering peace within families, encourage responsible online engagement, unite women journalists in the fight against digital harassment and abuse.”
Ngene encouraged participants to commit themselves to two key missions: building peaceful families and using digital platforms to confront and reduce online violence. She appreciated all attendees for their continued dedication to uplifting women, protecting journalistic integrity, and contributing to positive societal change.
