By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, December 11, 2025: The Kids Advocacy Network (KAN), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a national symposium at Fourah Bay College to address the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence in educational institutions.
Held under the theme “Unite! End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” the event brought together government officials, university leaders, civil society organizations, student representatives, development partners, and young people from across Sierra Leone.
KAN Executive Director Edmond Alim Fornah warned that while platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp have revolutionized communication, they are increasingly being misused to harm women and girls. “Digital technology has become a powerful tool for connection and learning, but it is also being weaponized to intimidate and silence,” he said. Fornah announced plans to launch a new digital tool to promote responsible online behavior and strengthen reporting and accountability mechanisms.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Kelvin Petrini emphasized the need for collective responsibility in creating safe digital spaces. He noted that technology, while empowering, has exposed young women to harassment, blackmail, and coercion. Petrini criticized the persistence of all-male panels, calling them damaging to perceptions of leadership, and reaffirmed UNDP’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual exploitation and harassment. He praised Sierra Leone’s legislative progress but stressed that “laws alone are not enough; enforcement, community action and responsible digital citizenship must go hand in hand.”
Fiona Ngima, President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students, highlighted how online spaces now shape identity, leadership, and safety. Sharing personal experiences, she urged students to promote respectful digital conduct and stand up against online abuse.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie described technology-facilitated abuse as a pressing challenge in schools and universities. She cited rising cases of sextortion, impersonation, cyber harassment, and non-consensual image sharing, warning of their impact on confidence, learning, and mental health. Dr. Wurie called on institutions to foster cultures of respect and accountability, stressing that small actions—such as refusing to circulate harmful content—can drive meaningful change.
The symposium concluded with a united call for sustained collaboration among government institutions, civil society, development partners, and young people to eliminate digital violence against women and girls. Participants pledged to promote responsible technology use and ensure that Sierra Leone’s schools and universities remain safe spaces for learning and empowerment.