Nigeria's youngest serving lawmaker and member representing Owode/Onire Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Rukayat Shittu, has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria's legal framework to strengthen protection against online abuse, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, image-based violence and other forms of technology-facilitated harassment.

Shittu made the call in Accra, Ghana, while participating in the West Africa Female Parliamentarians Peer Review Conference on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, she explained that her working group focused on emerging forms of digital violence against women and girls, including online abuse, image-based violence and the challenges of cross-border enforcement.

She disclosed that the Nigerian delegation also developed a motion titled "Strengthening Protection Against Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls," while exploring strategies for engaging male lawmakers in efforts to combat violence against women and girls.

The three-day conference, organised by the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) with support from UN Women West and Central Africa Regional Office and the European Union, brought together female parliamentarians, gender ministers, ECOWAS lawmakers and development partners to review existing legislative responses and strengthen regional collaboration.

As part of the programme, Shittu joined legislators from Ghana, Senegal and Uganda in a regional working group that examined national experiences and legislative approaches aimed at improving protection for women and girls against digital and other forms of violence.

Participants also discussed ways to strengthen democratic institutions through responsive legislation and enhanced cooperation among African parliaments.

Unlike traditional conferences centred mainly on speeches, the peer-review format enabled delegates to assess one another's legislative frameworks, exchange best practices and develop practical recommendations to improve laws, parliamentary oversight and regional collaboration.

The conference is expected to deepen partnerships among female parliamentarians across West Africa, promoting legislative reforms, advocacy and effective implementation of measures to combat violence against women and girls.

Shittu's participation, alongside the recognition she received during a visit to the Parliament of Ghana, formed part of Nigeria's contribution to regional efforts aimed at advancing the rights, safety and wellbeing of women and girls.