MINISTRY OF GENDER AND CHILDREN’S AFFAIRS CONVENES COORDINATION MEETING ON 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) today convened a high-level coordination meeting at its headquarters to commence preparations for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This year’s campaign, observed globally from 25th November to 10th December, will be held under the theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Mrs. Aminata Y. Sannoh, Permanent Secretary of MoGCA; Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Policy and Planning; Marian Goodie Sowonie, Director of Gender; Mariama Tunde of the Mano River Women and Girls Advocacy Network; Sallymatu Koroma from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education; as well as representatives from civil society organizations and women-led groups.

In her opening statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, Mrs. Aminata Y. Sannoh welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of collective action to end GBV. She noted that the campaign is a flagship annual event beginning with a national launch, followed by district-level activities, in partnership with media houses and community-based organizations. She encouraged all partners to remain engaged in the coordination process to ensure strong participation and effective implementation.

Delivering his remarks, Mr Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Policy and Planning, underscored the global significance of the 16 Days campaign, which was initiated in 1991 to amplify calls to end violence against women. He highlighted progress made in national GBV response but stressed the urgency of addressing emerging challenges, particularly cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse. “This year’s focus is on digital violence,” he explained. “We want to confront the rising cases of online harassment nationwide and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”

Expanding on the theme, Marian Goodie Sowonie, Director of Gender, spoke about the dangers of cyberbullying and called for collective strategies to combat online harassment and threats. She confirmed that MoGCA would host key events as part of this year’s campaign.

During the plenary session, participants unanimously endorsed the global theme and discussed accountability measures for perpetrators of digital GBV. Rev. Moses Kanu raised critical questions on strategies to strengthen prevention and enforcement. Stakeholders also reviewed the proposed activity plan, which includes:

National Launch Event;

Media Engagement (radio, television, and social media);

Community Town Hall Meetings;

School and University Engagements (students and teachers); and Float Parade.

It was further agreed that subcommittees would be established to coordinate these activities and ensure the campaign’s success.

The meeting successfully mapped out key strategies for the 2025 campaign, with recommendations to:

Strengthen collaboration between government, CSOs, and the media.

Ensure extensive community outreach, including rural and urban populations.

Integrate digital literacy sessions to address cyberbullying.

Next steps include the formation of subcommittees, development of a detailed work plan and timeline, and finalization of logistics and resource mobilization ahead of the official launch.

Communications Unit

Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com