The 16 Days of Activism was organized by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in Collaboration with like-minded partners. The official launching took place at the Bo District Council Hall Freetown Highway on the 25th of November 2025.

The overview of the 16 Days of Activism was officially done by Mrs. Matta Idriss Feika. Assistant Director Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that takes place between 25th November. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Women Human Rights Defender’s Day November 29th, World Aids Day December 1, International Day of Disability Dec 3rd, the Montreal Massacre Dec 6th, and International Human Rights Day Dec 10th

The campaign brings individuals and organizations around the world together to call for the prevention and elimination of Violence against Women and Girls in all its forms, be it sexual violence as a weapon of war or intimate partner violence in the privacy of one’s own home.  The 16th Days of Activism Campaign was initiated in 1999 and coordinated by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership Institute (CWGL

The 16 Days of Activism is an organizing strategy used by individuals, CSO’s, UN Agencies, Women’s Organizations, and other Organizations in collaboration with Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs to call for the prevention and elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. It calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share of knowledge and innovations worldwide. This advocacy has provided a global platform to advocate for women’s rights

In Sierra Leone, Sexual Gender Based Violence has become a serious concern as a threatens the human rights of women and girls. Violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights. Its impact ranges from immediate to long-term effect, which includes, which includes physical, sexual and mental consequences for women and girls and time leads to death. It negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society. Violence does not only have negative consequences on women and girls but also on their families, the community and the country as a whole. It has tremendous cost implication especially when it comes to health case, legal expenses and loss in productivity thereby impacting national budgets and the overall development of the state

Finally, Mrs. Matta Idriss Feika said that, at the normative level, the Government of Sierra Leone ha enacted the Domestic Violence Acts 2007: Sexual Offences Act 2012, the Amended Sexual Offences Act GEWE Act 2022, and the recently enacted Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2024. In addition, to prevent SGBV, the Ministry developed the National Male Involvement Strategy for preventing of Sexual Gender Based-Violence, launched by H.E the President on the 8th March, 2020. The rationale is to get the men and boys involved as change Agents. Champions and Advocates in SGBV prevention, the ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs is also advocating for the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Bill to be enacted in parliament

The keynote speaker for this auspicious celebration Resident Minister of   South Chief John Abu, gave his keynote address on the 16 Dys of Activism at the Bo District Council Hall

Madam Chairperson, The Medical Superintendent of the Bo Government Hospital, The Coordinator FSU, Esteemed Representatives from Government, Civil Society, Development Partners, the Media, Our Valued Young People, Champions, and Advocates for Women’s Rights, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Afternoon

It is an honour to stand before you today at the official launch of the 2025 Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme: “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”—reminds us that the fight against gender-based violence is evolving, and so must our collective response.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Against Women and Girls refers to any harmful act directed at a woman or girl because of her gender. It is rooted in unequal power relations, discrimination, and cultural or social norms that place women and girls at a disadvantage compared to men and boys. In simple terms, GBV is violence that targets women and girls specifically because they are female.

Forms of Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls. GBV can take many forms, including:

  1. Physical violence: Beating, slapping, kicking, Assault with weapons, Physical harm by intimate partners, relatives, or others
  2. Sexual violence: Rape, attempted rape, Sexual assault, Forced or coerced sexual activity, Sexual exploitation and abuse
  3. Emotional or psychological violence: Threats, insults, humiliation, Intimidation and controlling behaviour, Isolation from family or social networks,
  4. 4. Economic or financial violence: Denying women access to money or financial resources, preventing women from working or owning property, Controlling earnings
  5. 5. Harmful traditional practices: Child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Forced marriage, Widowhood rites
  6. Digital or online violence: Cyberbullying and harassment, Non-consensual sharing of intimate images (“revenge porn”), Digital stalking, using technology to intimidate, threaten, or abuse

Why Does GBV Occur? GBV stems from: Gender inequality, Power imbalances in relationships and society, Cultural practices that normalize violence, Impunity or weak enforcement of laws

For more than three decades, the 16 Days of Activism has served as a global platform to raise awareness, influence policy, and mobilize action to end violence against women and girls in all forms. Today, we acknowledge a new and rapidly growing frontier of abuse—digital violence. This includes cyberbullying, online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, identity theft, digital stalking, hate speech, and the use of technology as a tool of manipulation and control.

As the digital world expands, so does the risk. The online space—which should be a place for expression, empowerment, innovation, and opportunity—has too often become a place of fear, intimidation, and silence for many women and girls. In Sierra Leone and across the world, girls are being targeted simply for speaking out, for excelling, for daring to participate, or for being visible online.

Today’s theme is a call to action. It calls on governments, communities, educators, tech companies, and individuals to work hand-in-hand to ensure that no woman or girl is left unprotected in digital spaces.

The short dram performed here earlier clearly shows how our girls are violently abused by the very people they trust. So many girls have suffered in silence in the hands of many wicked men. This gives us an insight into how our vulnerable young girls are treated and the consequences of such actions on their physical, emotional and psychological lives.

I was also touched by the statement of the President of the Children’s Forum Network. I sense his compassion determination to advocate for the rights and protections of women and girls.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Digital violence is not a “virtual problem.” Its consequences are real—psychological trauma, reputational damage, social isolation, academic loss, and even physical harm. When women and girls are driven offline, they lose opportunities for learning, leadership, economic empowerment, and civic participation.

This is why the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has taken bold steps to strengthen the legislative, policy, and institutional frameworks that address both traditional and emerging forms of gender-based violence. The ministry’s work includes improving reporting mechanisms, expanding public education, advancing survivor-centred services, and collaborating with security institutions and ICT partners to track, prevent, and respond to digital harms.

As we launch this year’s 16 Days of Activism, let us renew our collective commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable digital world. Let our voices be louder than the threats. Let our unity be stronger than the violence. And let our actions bring hope, protection, and dignity to women and girls everywhere.

I want to commend the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs for its leadership, vision, and unrelenting efforts. I also applaud our partners, activists, and community champions who continue to push for a Sierra Leone where the rights of women and girls are respected both offline and online.

Let us leave this launch not only inspired, but determined. Determined to educate, to advocate, to hold offenders accountable, and to support survivors. Determined to stand together—UNITE—until digital violence becomes a thing of the past.

Finally, various statements were made by different sectors namely: State Council, Deputy AIG, Deputy Chairperson BDC, Deputy Mayor Bo City, Medical Superintendent, Ministry of Social Welfare, CSO

District Chairperson, BRAC NGO, CFN and the like. It all ended with immersed celebration starting from today 25th November to 10th December 2025.