Freetown, 25th November 2025: The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and partners, has officially launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the National Cybersecurity and Awareness Campaign.
The event brought together partners from Government, the private sector, civil society, embassies, and high commissions, all united in promoting the rights and safety of women and girls across Sierra Leone.
In her address, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, expressed gratitude for the collective commitment toward ending violence against women and girls. She stated that this year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” is an urgent reminder of the growing risks women and girls face both offline and online. She emphasized that the partnership with NC3 reflects the country’s determination to address digital threats such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and online harassment, which continue to impact the well-being, dignity, and freedoms of many women and girls.
Dr. Mahoi highlighted several important milestones Sierra Leone has achieved through progressive legislation and strengthened systems, including the Domestic Violence Act, the GEWE Act, the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, the Sexual Offences Act, the Child Rights Act, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
She also mentioned practical mechanisms supporting survivors, such as One-Stop Centres, Sexual Offences Model Courts, the 116 Hotline, district GBV steering committees, Safe Spaces, and the expanding GBVIMS+ digital system that improves survivor-centred case management. She noted that partnerships with traditional leaders, civil society, and development partners continue to drive gender equality efforts nationwide.
However, she also acknowledged challenges, such as the lack of a forensic laboratory, persistent compromises of sexual violence cases, pushback from perpetrators, and limited safe homes for survivors. She called on every Sierra Leonean men, women, and young people alike, to support the fight against all forms of violence, stating that ending gender-based violence is both a human rights responsibility and a shared national duty.
Other speakers at the event stressed the importance of combating discrimination, sexual violence, and especially cybercrimes affecting women and girls, pointing out that many have experienced cyberbullying, stalking, and other forms of online abuse.
The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, officially launched the campaign and praised the Ministry for its strong leadership in promoting gender equality and addressing threats against women and girls. He stressed the need for strong collaboration between Government and partners to combat cybercrimes and strengthen systems that protect women and girls from both physical and digital harm.
This launch marks the beginning of a 16-day national campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting safety, and strengthening collective action to eliminate gender-based violence and digital threats against women and girls in Sierra Leone.
