Government officials, development partners and Civil Society leaders on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, reaffirmed their collective commitment to combating online harassment and digital violence against women and girls during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the National Cybersecurity and Awareness Campaign. The high-profile event, held at the Freetown International Conference Center in Aberdeen, was hosted by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre and partners.
Held under the theme: “Unite! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”, the campaign also adopted the slogan “Click Wise, Stay Safe,” underscoring efforts to promote safe and responsible digital engagement, empower women and girls online and tackle the growing menace of cyber harassment.
Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who delivered the keynote address, issued an apology on behalf of the Government to all victims of online harassment and bullying. He stressed that no nation can progress when women and girls, who form the backbone of society, are subjected to intimidation and abuse. He noted that while technology has created incredible opportunities, it has also opened doors to risks, privacy violations and harmful behaviour, adding that Government rejects all forms of violence against women and girls.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh highlighted Sierra Leone’s significant strides in improving its cyber environment, revealing that the country now ranks among the top 10 in Africa on cybersecurity indicators. He also cited the expansion of mobile phone coverage from 72% to 98% in just five years urging citizens to use technology responsibly, stating: “Human beings should make better technology, not the other way round.”
Government Ministers, the Inspector-General of Police, members of the UN family and other partners echoed similar commitments to safeguarding women and girls in the digital space. Minister of Information, Chernor C. Bah, who chaired the ceremony, underscored that cybersecurity is both a human rights and national security issue, emphasizing Government’s continued investment in strategies to protect Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, described the event as both a call to action and a moment of reflection. She said the theme aligns with the many legislative and policy reforms championed to protect women and girls; including the Child Rights Act 2025, the establishment of the Model Sexual Offences Court, One Stop Centres across the country, Safe Spaces, the 116 Hotline and the landmark Hands Off Our Girls campaign. She, however, noted that laws alone cannot end digital violence.
Dr. Isata Mahoi highlighted ongoing efforts such as accessing SGBV data through One Stop Centres, harmonizing laws, reviewing GBV legislation and strengthening partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding. She expressed concern over challenges like the absence of a forensic laboratory and inadequate Safe Homes, stressing that ending violence against women and girls requires nationwide responsibility. She called on all citizens to join the campaign, support survivors with compassion and report perpetrators.
Inspector-General of Police William Fayia Sellu emphasized that women and girls must be free to express themselves online without fear. He noted that digital GBV is a global challenge that affects mental health and disproportionately targets girls.
Other speakers reinforced that technology should serve as a tool for empowerment, not harassment and warned that digital violence, cyberbullying, identity theft and online stalking continue to rise at alarming rates.
The Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity and Awareness Campaign, Victor Sesay, provided an overview of the national strategy. He explained that since its establishment in 2016, the office has worked to raise awareness, support digital networks, develop guidelines and safeguard national digital infrastructure. He outlined the existing gaps, risks, opportunities and key legal instruments guiding cybersecurity operations. Stakeholders also highlighted capacity-building trainings for the judiciary and security sector and the ratification of the Data Protection Act as milestones in strengthening digital protection.
The well-attended event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Minister of Gender, Boakai Hindowa Bindi, followed by a panel discussion, the signing of a commitment pledge, the singing of the National Anthem and Pledge and an interactive question-and-answer session.
The initiative marks a significant national effort to build a safer, more inclusive digital environment for women and girls across Sierra Leone.
