The Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP), through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, proudly supported a joint national event led by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) to launch the National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign alongside the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This joint initiative highlighted a critical and timely message: as Sierra Leone continues to expand its digital footprint, online safety particularly for women and girls must remain a national priority. With the rise of online harassment, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, and other forms of digital gender-based violence, the event underscored the urgent need for stronger awareness, safer digital behaviour, and increased protection in online spaces.
The launch also marked a major milestone under the SLDTP’s cybersecurity activities. Through the Project, NC3 received technical support for the development of a comprehensive Cybersecurity Awareness Strategy, which includes targeted messaging for children, parents, institutions, the private sector and especially women and girls. The campaign will focus on promoting good digital hygiene, understanding the law, preventing online exploitation, and strengthening safe digital participation across the country.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs also stressed the importance of integrating online safety into national conversations on gender-based violence, noting that digital platforms have become both vital tools for empowerment and spaces where new forms of violence emerge.
Through this joint effort, Sierra Leone is taking a bold step toward building a more cyber-aware society and strengthening national protection mechanisms in both digital and physical spaces. The SLDTP remains committed to supporting NC3 and other partners as the national awareness campaign rolls out across communities, schools, public institutions and online platforms.
The Project extends its appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in the launch event and looks forward to continued collaboration in promoting safety, awareness and resilience across Sierra Leone’s digital landscape.
