Gender Ministry Warn Against Sharing Content Involving Women and Child Survivors

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has issued a warning against the sharing of contents involving women and child survivors. Th Ministry made this announcement in a public notice on 8^th November 2025.

The ministry also pleaded with the general public to desist from sharing contents of survivors.

“Your collective commitment has been the cornerstone of our progress in protecting the rights and welfare of women and children across Sierra Leone,” the ministry said. “Your vigilance and zest in standing against gender-based violence and child abuse are vital to achieving our national mandate of a safer, more just society for all.”

They warned that the sharing of such contents is taking a dangerous trend that, while often well-intentioned, poses significant risks to the very individuals they seek to protect.

They added that there hs been a proliferation of videos and images on social media and messaging platforms portraying photos and images of women and children who are survivors of abuse, violence, or exploitation in the country.

“The sharing of such explicit or identifiable content, even to seek justice or raise awareness, can have devastating consequences,” the ministry warned.

The ministry further reminded the public of several fundamental principles of protection in the new Child Rights Act of 2025 which prioritises the best interest of the child, especially in actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private institutions, or individuals. They warned the public should consider the best interests of the child as a primary consideration.

The ministry also reminded the public of the do no harm and preserve dignity clause, report do not broadcast, and protect identity at all cost, among other clauses in the Act.

Finally, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs pleaded with the general public to make use of the digital space responsibly.

“Refrain from sharing. forwarding, or commenting on posts that identify survivors. By sharing such content, you become part of the cycle of harm. Instead, report the post to the platform and encourage the original poster to take it down,” the ministry pleaded.