By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone has officially launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence alongside the National Cybersecurity and Awareness Campaign. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and several development partners. The ceremony brought together government institutions, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, embassies, and high commissions all united in their commitment to protect and empower women and girls across the country.
In her keynote address, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, commended partners for their unwavering dedication to ending violence against women and girls. She emphasized that this year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” reflects the increasing online threats faced by women and girls. Dr. Mahoi noted that the Ministry’s partnership with NC3 reinforces Sierra Leone’s determination to address cyberbullying, identity theft, online harassment, and other digital risks that undermine the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls.
The Minister also highlighted key national achievements in safeguarding women and girls, including progressive legal reforms such as the Domestic Violence Act, GEWE Act, Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, Sexual Offences Act, Child Rights Act, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. She further pointed to essential support systems for survivors, including One-Stop Centres, Sexual Offences Model Courts, the 116 Hotline, district GBV Steering Committees, Safe Spaces, and the expanding GBVIMS+ digital case management platform. She credited partnerships with traditional leaders, civil society, and development agencies for advancing gender equality nationwide.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Mahoi acknowledged persistent challenges such as the absence of a forensic laboratory, continued compromise of sexual violence cases, resistance from perpetrators, and the limited availability of safe homes for survivors. She urged Sierra Leoneans especially men, women, and young people to unite in eliminating all forms of violence, stressing that combating GBV is both a human rights obligation and a collective national responsibility.
Other speakers echoed the urgency of addressing discrimination, sexual violence, and cybercrimes targeting women and girls. They warned that rising incidents of cyberbullying, stalking, and digital harassment continue to threaten the safety, dignity, and freedom of countless women and girls.
Officially launching the campaign, the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, praised the Ministry for its leadership in advancing gender equality and addressing both physical and digital threats against women and girls. He called for stronger collaboration between the Government and its partners to combat cybercrimes and strengthen protection systems nationwide.
The launch marks the beginning of a 16-day nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness, enhancing safety, and mobilizing collective action to eliminate gender-based violence and digital threats against women and girls in Sierra Leone.