Women’s rights advocates, journalists and civil society representatives are calling for stronger protections against online abuse as Sierra Leone examines the growing risks women face in digital spaces.

More than 25 women participated in a national stakeholders’ forum organised by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) in Freetown to examine challenges affecting women online and develop practical recommendations.

MRCG National Coordinator Dr Francis Sowa said digital rights are an extension of human rights into online spaces, covering access to and use of digital platforms while protecting individuals from discrimination and abuse.

He said women continue to face particular threats to their safety, privacy, freedom of expression and participation despite efforts to promote their rights online.

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Sowa said MRCG implemented several initiatives between 2020 and 2024 aimed at strengthening women’s online rights, improving media professionalism, protecting journalists and expanding digital literacy among female journalists and activists.

The organisation has also produced reports on women’s rights online, gendered disinformation, media freedom and freedom of expression in Sierra Leone, he said.

The forum, held at the Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL) Hall in Freetown, forms part of MRCG’s “Enhancing Press Freedom, Women’s Rights, and Accountability Governance in Sierra Leone” project, with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana.

According to Sowa, the meeting is intended to identify persistent challenges, examine gaps in the implementation of laws and policies, develop practical recommendations and improve cooperation among government institutions, civil society, media organisations, the private sector and development partners.

Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) Executive President Millicent Kargbo said women in public-facing roles remain exposed to sexualization, bullying, harassment, threats and other forms of digital violence.

She said such experiences have caused some women to limit their online activity, withdraw from public discussions or avoid controversial subjects because of concerns about becoming targets of abuse.

Kargbo cited a 2022 SLAWIJ study, “Threats Against Public-Facing Women in Sierra Leone,” which examined the experiences of women journalists and women human rights defenders using digital platforms.

The study identified harassment, verbal insults and verbal threats as the three most serious threats faced by public-facing women, according to Kargbo.

She said online abuse can have serious psychological consequences, including depression, anger and low self-esteem, while fear of violence can discourage women from continuing their professional and advocacy activities.

Kargbo described the resulting withdrawal as a “chilling effect,” warning that society loses important voices and perspectives when women retreat from public spaces because of online abuse.

She urged stakeholders to increase public education on digital rights and existing legal protections so women know their rights, understand how to report abuse and have confidence that authorities will take complaints seriously.

Kargbo also called for stronger psychosocial support for survivors, saying reporting abuse alone is not enough without protection, assistance and access to appropriate remedies.

Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) President Eastina Taylor-Tucker identified affordability and access to digital services, limited digital literacy and online harassment as major barriers to women’s meaningful participation online.

She said greater digital inclusion would allow women to amplify community concerns, counter misinformation through credible journalism and pursue educational, economic and professional opportunities.

Taylor-Tucker called for stronger policies against online abuse, greater investment in affordable connectivity and training programs to equip women with the skills required to participate effectively in digital spaces.

Participants expressed hope that the recommendations from the forum would lead to concrete measures, stronger protection mechanisms and greater accountability.

The forum concluded with a call for a safer digital environment in which women in Sierra Leone can express themselves, work, advocate and participate in public discourse without fear of harassment, intimidation or violence.