Vivacious Development Initiative

DAY 30

Child Protection Is Not Seasonal

Awareness months come and go.

But the responsibility to protect children remains.

The conversations we’ve had must not end here.

They must translate into:
👉 Awareness
👉 Action
👉 Responsibility

At VIDI, this work continues beyond April.
Stay with us.

As the Month Ends… The Work Continues

April has been a time to raise awareness on sexual assault.

We’ve highlighted:
• The realities
• The silence
• The gaps in understanding
• The importance of response

But awareness alone is not enough.

The need for clarity, safe spaces, and informed action remains.

As the month ends, the commitment continues.
Stay connected ...

A New Chapter of Influence: VIDI Joins Abia State Child Protection Policy Committee

Some invitations are more than protocol.
They are a call to responsibility.

On April 14, Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) was represented at the inauguration of the Committee for the development of the Abia State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

VIDI was invited as a recognised stakeholder in child protection—and that, for us, is deeply significant.

VIDI was represented at the inauguration, with its Executive Director, Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu - OJN also participating in her capacity as State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network - Abia

Because this moment reflects years of consistent work:
✅ Advocating for safer spaces
✅ Supporting children and families
✅ Speaking up on difficult cases
✅ Pushing for systems that truly protect

Being in that room was not just about representation.
It was about bringing real experiences into a process that will shape how children are protected across Abia State.

This policy, when developed and implemented, has the potential to:
👉 Strengthen prevention systems
👉 Improve response to child protection concerns
👉 Promote accountability across institutions
👉 Create safer environments for children

At VIDI, we believe that safeguarding is not optional—it is essential.

And while policies are important, what matters most is how they translate into real protection for children in homes, schools, and communities.

We are committed to contributing meaningfully to this process.
Because every child deserves to grow up safe, protected, and heard.

Vivacious Development Initiative is proud to be associated with West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) .

Good representation, OnyinyeChi J Nwosu Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu - OJN Chuka Okoye

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2026

2026 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF GIRLS IN ICT: VIDI CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON GIRLS’ INCLUSION, DIGITAL SAFETY, AND JUSTICE

The Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) joins the global community to celebrate girls and young women shaping the future of technology on the occasion of the 2026 International Day of Girls in ICT, under the theme: ‘AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.’

VIDI notes that while Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies continue to transform societies, millions of girls remain excluded from access, participation, and leadership in the digital space, especially across developing contexts.

The organisation warns that this exclusion is not only a development gap, but also a growing injustice and protection concern. The rise of technology has been accompanied by increasing cases of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) targeting girls and women.

VIDI emphasizes that digital transformation must be intentionally inclusive, safe, and accountable if it is to serve development equitably. Digital inclusion must go beyond access to devices and connectivity to include digital literacy, STEM empowerment, safety awareness, and strong legal protections against emerging forms of online abuse.

CALL TO ACTION
VIDI calls on key stakeholders as follows:

Government to invest in inclusive digital education while urgently reviewing, updating, and strengthening legal and policy frameworks to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Existing laws at the national and state levels, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act as domesticated in Abia State must be revisited to explicitly capture emerging forms of online abuse, cyber exploitation, and digital harm against girls and young women.

Beyond legislation, there is a critical need to address persistent enforcement gaps, including limited awareness among law enforcement and judicial actors, weak digital investigation capacity, underreporting due to stigma and fear, and inadequate survivor-centered response systems.
As digital spaces expand, so do risks. Laws, enforcement systems, and justice mechanisms must evolve to ensure protection, accountability for perpetrators, and timely access to justice for survivors.

Schools and educators to actively promote girls’ participation in STEM, ICT, and emerging technologies, while providing mentorship and safe learning environments.

Parents and caregivers to support girls in navigating digital spaces safely, confidently, and responsibly.

Private sector and technology organisations to create inclusive platforms, opportunities, and innovation pipelines that amplify girls’ participation and leadership in tech.

MESSAGE TO THE GIRL CHILD
To every girl reading this: your voice matters in the digital world. Your ideas are valid, your curiosity is powerful, and your presence in technology is not optional, it is necessary.
The future of Artificial Intelligence, innovation, and digital development must include you, not as an afterthought, but as a leader, a creator, and decision-maker.
Step forward boldly. Learn, explore, create, and claim your space. The digital world needs your brilliance.

CONCLUSION
As we mark International Girls in ICT Day 2026, VIDI reaffirms that meaningful digital transformation cannot exist without gender inclusion, safety, and justice. Any digital future that excludes girls or fails to protect them is neither sustainable nor equitable. Stakeholders must therefore move from conversation to commitment, and from commitment to action.

Signed:

Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu
Executive Director, Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI)
Email: [email protected]
Facebook | LinkedIn: Vivacious Initiative

Child Abuse Prevention Month: Day 20
Continuity in Child Protection Efforts

Over the past weeks, we’ve shared insights on child abuse prevention - from recognising signs to improving parental responses.

Child protection requires sustained attention and consistent action.

Key areas previously highlighted include:
• Recognising warning signs
• Addressing harmful assumptions
• Strengthening response systems

Maintaining momentum in awareness and action remains critical.

VIDI continues to advocate for intentional, informed approaches to safeguarding children.

Child Abuse Prevention Month: Day 20

Child Protection Cannot Pause

Children are still at risk.
And prevention requires consistency.

Over the past weeks, we’ve highlighted:
✅ Warning signs
✅ Harmful assumptions
✅ Gaps in awareness

And one thing is clear:

We must keep going.

Protecting children is not a one-time conversation,
It is an ongoing responsibility.

Se.ual As.ault Awareness Month: Day 20

The Conversation Must Continue

Se.ual vi.lence is still misunderstood in many spaces.

Some people are unsure what it truly means.
Some are afraid to speak.
Some don’t know how to respond.

This is why awareness must continue.

Because silence, confusion, and hesitation create space for harm.

At VIDI, we remain committed to strengthening awareness, clarity, and response.

VIDI IS STEPPING UP …DIGITALLY

Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) is intentional about building knowledge, strengthening capacity, and translating learning into impact.

Following our participation in a high-level training on Digital Rights, Advocacy, and Activism hosted by the West African West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Abuja, we conducted a step-down training for our team in Aba, Abia State.

The session focused on key areas including digital rights, online privacy and data protection, digital security, and the use of digital tools for effective advocacy. Through interactive discussions, practical case studies, and collaborative learning, our team members deepened their understanding of how digital rights connect with our work in protecting women, girls, and children.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, safeguarding rights online is just as critical as protecting them offline. This training strengthens our readiness to integrate digital rights into our programmes and amplify our advocacy in more strategic and impactful ways.

At VIDI, we remain committed to continuous learning and advancing human rights across all spaces.

Child Abuse Prevention Month: Day 15
Correcting Harmful Practices in Child Protection

Certain practices, though common, can increase vulnerability.

*Do not: Rely only on “stranger danger”
✅ Recognize risks within familiar environments

*Do not: Avoid conversations about safety
✅ Educate children appropriately

**Do not: Delay action due to uncertainty
✅ Respond early to concerns

Effective child protection requires intentional, informed action.

Se.ual As.ault Awareness Month: Day 15

Let’s Do This Right!

The way we respond to disclosures matters.
When someone opens up, don’t:

❌ Blame them
❌ Dismiss them
❌ Rush them
❌ Expose them

Instead:
✅ Listen
✅ Believe
✅ Support
✅ Respect their pace

Your response matters more than you think.

Child Abuse Prevention Month: Day 14

“It Can’t Happen Here” ❌

The belief that a particular place is totally safe has allowed many cases to continue.

Other common, but wrong thoughts include:

👉 “We know him”

👉 “It’s probably nothing”

👉 “Children exaggerate”

These assumptions are dangerous.

They delay action.

They increase risk.

Let’s choose awareness over comfort.