It is crucial to acknowledge that technology has emerged as a new tool for perpetrating violence, abuse, and various forms of gender-based violence. Therefore, it is imperative that we initiate the education of our children on this subject.

To commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child 2024, the GoldHeart Foundation, in partnership with The Boythrive Initiative , conducted a training session on Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) for 50 boys at Annunciation School Ikere-Ekiti.

Our executive director, Dowole Gold Moyinoluwa, delivered a presentation in a blend of English and Yoruba languages. She explained the concept of Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, covering its definition, different types, common examples, effects, and methods to stay safe online; with a particular focus on cyberbullying, online harassment, and sextortion. Additionally, she highlighted Ekiti State GBV policies.

Moyinoluwa encouraged the boys not to contribute to situations that may cause a girl or boy to drop out of school, experience suicidal thoughts, develop fear, or be traumatized.”

To conclude the session, she created a song using the boys’ popular slang ‘bo nle be.’ In the song, she addressed topics such as rape, online abuse, hate speech, and cyberbullying, to which the boys responded with ‘bo nle be.’

A representative from the BoyThrive Initiative emphasized the consequences of TFGBV such as educational impact, emotional distress and physical hurt.

The session successfully blended education and entertainment, as the boys actively participated by asking questions, which were answered accordingly.

The involvement of our boys is of utmost importance in our efforts to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence. Let’s recognize the significance of their participation.