The She Empowerment League, working alongside Save the Children, Plan International Sierra Leone, Girls Alliance Incorporation, and the Youth Action Movement, has completed a two-day engagement focused on responsible digital behaviour and online safety. The initiative forms part of this year’s global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which highlights violence against women and girls in all its forms, including the growing risks found online.
The sessions, held at the Africell American Corner in Freetown, brought together school pupils, community leaders, teachers, media practitioners, and youth advocates. The programme opened with safeguarding briefings and a thematic presentation titled “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All,” laying out the need to confront the rise of cyberbullying, non-consensual content sharing, and other abuses that affect young people especially girls.
Students took part in guided discussions on the opportunities and threats in the digital world, examined real-life scenarios involving cyber harassment, and learned practical approaches to strengthening privacy and reporting abusive behaviour. Sessions led by cybersecurity officials also introduced participants to the key elements of Sierra Leone’s Cybersecurity Act, helping young people understand their rights and protections under the law.
Representatives from partner organisations underscored the importance of shared responsibility. Esther, speaking on behalf of Save the Children, stressed that child safety must be protected both online and offline. She urged participants to use their collective platforms to challenge cyberbullying and create digital spaces where young people feel safe.
The Head of Cyber Security at the Office of National Security, Mr. Bartholomew Bendu, urged bloggers, content creators, and media personalities to practice ethical digital engagement. He advised that consent should be a mandatory requirement before photographs or videos are taken or published, noting that simple consent forms can help prevent misuse.
The focus of activities on the second day switched to community workshops, including mixed-group discussions on consent, digital accountability, and the emotional toll of online violence. Separate sessions guided girls and young women through resilience-building exercises and stronger safety planning, while boys and young men were supported to explore non-violent conflict management and respectful online conduct.Media advocates and influencers later joined in a dedicated session on responsible reporting and survivor-sensitive storytelling.
The programme closed with a collective pledge from all participants to use their voices and platforms to combat online abuse, support victims, and promote ethical digital education. Several young attendees were nominated as Digital Safety Ambassadors to help carry the campaign’s message into their schools and communities.
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The She Empowerment League, a grassroots feminist organisation committed to advancing women’s rights and access to justice, described the two-day event as a crucial step in its wider mission to protect girls and young women. Through initiatives such as the Sister Circle, Skills for Freedom, and Violence Prevention programmes, the organisation continues to build safe spaces and nurture leadership among young women across Sierra Leone.
