Empowering Female Lawyers with Digital Skills to Combat Gender-Based Violence

NBAWF FCT Chapter Webinar Report

Webinar Overview

• Date: December 19, 2024
• Platform: Zoom.
• Organizers: NBAWF FCT Chapter.
• Theme/Topic: “Enhancing Female Lawyers’ Digital Literacy Against Gender-Based Violence.”

2. Opening Remarks

The webinar was expertly moderated by Yuahanezu Jafar-Jubril, who warmly welcomed the attendees and efficiently introduced the theme of the session. Hajiya Hadiza Afegbua, the State Lead of the FCT Abuja Chapter, delivered the opening remarks, setting a positive tone and clearly outlining the objectives for the meeting.

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She emphasized the critical importance of equipping female lawyers with the necessary digital skills to effectively combat gender-based violence (GBV), highlighting the intersection of legal advocacy and digital literacy in today’s evolving landscape.

3. Speakers and Topics (Developed)

Inemesit Dike (Speaker 1)

Topic: Digital Security and Online Safety for Female Lawyers Handling GBV Cases

Inemesit Dike began by highlighting the growing dependence on digital tools among legal professionals and the consequent rise in cybersecurity risks, especially for female lawyers addressing sensitive GBV cases. She elaborated on how online threats can hinder the work of advocates and jeopardize client confidentiality. Her session outlined actionable strategies tailored for the audience:

1. Creating Strong Digital Security Protocols:
   • Dike emphasized the importance of unique, robust passwords and recommended using password managers to avoid repetition across platforms.
   • She explained two-factor authentication (2FA) as an essential layer of security, particularly for email, cloud storage, and social media accounts.
   • Practical demonstrations of 2FA tools and the importance of avoiding predictable recovery answers were shared.
2. Handling Sensitive Data:
   • Participants were guided on securely managing client data, with encryption tools such as VeraCrypt and BitLocker recommended for sensitive files.
   • She introduced secure file-sharing services like ProtonMail and Tresorit, which ensure data remains confidential and protected from third-party breaches.
   • Real-world examples of breaches and their impact on GBV clients reinforced the need for vigilance.
3. Cyber Awareness Training:
   • Dike advocated for periodic training on recognizing phishing emails, suspicious links, and malware threats.
   • Resources, including webinars, online courses, and local cybersecurity workshops, were recommended to keep lawyers informed of the latest cyber risks.

Her session empowered attendees with practical tools and knowledge to enhance digital security while advocating for vulnerable clients.

Caleb Oboagwina (Speaker 2)

Topic: Leveraging Technology and AI Tools to Address GBV

Caleb Oboagwina’s presentation showcased how technology and artificial intelligence can revolutionize the approach to handling GBV cases. He illustrated practical applications and shared real-world examples to inspire innovation among participants:

1. Data Analytics Tools:
   • Oboagwina explained how analytics tools, such as Tableau and Google Data Studio, can process reports of GBV to identify patterns and trends, such as geographical hotspots and recurrence rates.
   • He demonstrated how such insights could help lawyers and policymakers allocate resources effectively and predict potential surges in GBV.
2. AI-Powered Legal Research Platforms:
   • Platforms like LexisNexis and ROSS Intelligence were highlighted as time-saving tools for identifying relevant case law and precedents in GBV litigation.
   • Oboagwina explained how AI algorithms can sort through vast legal databases, finding nuanced information that might otherwise take hours to uncover.
   • He provided examples of cases where such tools expedited justice for GBV victims.
3. Online Support Platforms:
   • Apps like Safecity and Hollaback, which allow users to report incidents anonymously and seek immediate assistance, were introduced.
   • Oboagwina emphasized the role of lawyers in promoting these platforms to clients and using them to gather evidence in GBV cases.
   • He also encouraged the development of localized platforms to bridge gaps in underrepresented regions.

Oboagwina’s presentation encouraged lawyers to embrace technology to enhance their practice and improve client outcomes.

Mojirayo Ogunlana (Speaker 3)

Topic: The Role of Digital Advocacy in Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Mojirayo Ogunlana delivered a compelling session on how digital advocacy is reshaping efforts against GBV. She provided a roadmap for effective engagement and highlighted success stories to inspire action:

1. Social Media as a Tool for Advocacy:
   • Ogunlana emphasized that platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram serve as megaphones for raising GBV awareness.
   • She shared case studies, such as the #MeToo and #EndSARS movements, demonstrating their ability to unite communities and pressure policymakers.
   • Participants were taught to use hashtags, craft compelling narratives, and engage influencers to amplify their messages.
2. Building Online Communities:
   • Creating virtual support groups for GBV survivors was presented as a way to foster empowerment and provide resources.
   • Ogunlana highlighted platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram for creating secure, moderated groups where survivors can share experiences and access help.
   • She shared examples of online communities that led to grassroots movements and policy changes.
3. Digital Literacy for Advocacy:
   • Ogunlana stressed the importance of understanding digital tools to enhance advocacy efforts.
   • She demonstrated how tools like Canva for graphic design, Hootsuite for social media management, and Google Analytics for campaign tracking could bolster advocacy campaigns.
   • The session concluded with a call to action for participants to prioritize continuous learning to stay ahead in the digital advocacy landscape.

Her session underscored the importance of using digital tools to amplify advocacy efforts and foster change.

4. Audience Engagement

The webinar attracted 58 registered attendees, creating a dynamic and engaged environment. Key points of interest included:

• Reporting GBV Issues: Questions on NBA’s reporting platforms and how to participate in such initiatives.
• Venturing into Technology: Inquiries about starting in tech and understanding digital safety tools.

Participants expressed a strong desire for workshops and further training sessions to deepen their digital advocacy skills.

5. Way Forward

To sustain the momentum from this impactful webinar, the following steps are recommended:

1. Establish a Resource Hub: An online portal for resources on digital safety, advocacy tools, and training modules.
2. Develop Continuous Training Programs: Follow-up webinars or hands-on workshops on cybersecurity and legal technology.
3. Create a Reporting and Support Network: Platforms for reporting GBV incidents and providing victim support.
4. Foster a Community of Practice: A network for lawyers to share best practices and mentorship opportunities.
5. Promote Digital Literacy Initiatives: Programs for lawyers and communities on GBV rights and resources.
6. Leverage Social Media Campaigns: Encouraging attendees to use social media for raising GBV awareness.
7. Regular Feedback Mechanisms: Collecting participant feedback to tailor future programs to evolving needs.

These recommendations aim to strengthen the digital literacy and advocacy skills of female lawyers, bolstering their role in addressing gender-based violence within their communities.