As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive online environment, TikTok, in partnership with the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC), is convening a series of Women in Media Safety Roundtables across Sub-Saharan Africa. The roundtables, which recently took place in Lagos and Abuja, aim to deepen the collective understanding of tech-facilitated gender-based violence (tFGBV) and drive collaborative action, particularly for women in the media industry.
These multi-stakeholder sessions brought together journalists, digital safety experts, civil society representatives, regulators, and content creators. The goal is to support women’s voices while building safer digital communities.
“Addressing issues such as tech-facilitated gender-based violence requires more than just policies; it demands deep listening, data-driven insights, and collaboration across sectors,” said Kim Thipe, Executive Director, Centre for Analytics & Behavioural Change (CABC).
“Through these workshops, we’re bringing together the lived experiences of women in media with research-backed strategies to co-create safer digital environments. We are pleased to partner with TikTok in this important initiative that places community voices and local context at the center of online safety.”
Listening to and Learning from the Community
As the digital landscape evolves, women and other vulnerable communities continue to face unique online threats that can limit their expression and participation. TikTok is committed to learning from those on the frontlines, including local journalists and media practitioners, to evolve its safety tools, policies, and enforcement strategies.
“At TikTok, we believe that to truly understand our local community, we must first understand their world. We recognize the diversity of our global community and the importance of understanding what helps them feel safe so they are empowered to have their best experience,” said Duduzile Mkhize, TikTok Outreach & Partnerships Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa.
“As we learn more, we do more,” Mkhize added. “We value the participation of the Nigerian media industry in helping us create a safe and creative platform; not just for content creators, but for all users.”
Innovating for Safety and Empowerment
The roundtables are not just conversations; they are opportunities to reshape digital spaces into safer, more inclusive environments. By bringing together those on the frontlines of tackling gender-based violence—including civil society organizations, community leaders, journalists, and survivors—TikTok is ensuring that interventions are rooted in lived realities. By opening this dialogue, TikTok continues to strengthen its safety efforts in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa, while also raising awareness of its existing tools and resources.
Most importantly, these conversations aim to build lasting trust and partnerships that empower women and marginalised communities to speak freely, participate fully, and thrive online without fear.
“We commend TikTok’s proactive engagement with professionals in the media space as well as creators, through these Safety Roundtables,” said Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on Community Engagement, North Central.
“Tackling tech-facilitated gender-based violence requires a united front, and we welcome TikTok’s commitment to working alongside government, civil society, and industry to build safer digital spaces. Empowering women to participate fully and safely in media is not just a digital issue; it is a democratic imperative.”
A Step Forward for a Safer Digital Space
The Women in Media Safety Roundtables represent a tangible step in TikTok’s broader mission to foster a safer, more inclusive environment. Through open dialogue, shared insights, and actionable solutions, TikTok is reaffirming its commitment to building a platform that uplifts and protects its diverse communities.
“At TikTok, safety is at the heart of everything we do. These roundtables are about listening to people with lived experiences, learning from local communities, and building solutions together. Because creating safe spaces online isn’t just about technology, it’s about humanity,” concluded Mkhize.
Join the conversation on building safer digital spaces for women and marginalized voices. Visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng for more insights, updates, and resources on online safety and empowerment.
