Freetown, Sierra Leone, 28 November 2025: As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, UN Women, the National Cyber Security Coordination Centre (NC3), and the Embassy of Iceland, organized a student engagement at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. The event focused on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), equipping students with knowledge and tools to create safer digital spaces and promoting youth leadership in advancing gender equality.
Students, university leadership, government officials, development partners, and youth advocates participated in interactive sessions, panel discussions, and creative student-led performances. The programme highlighted the different forms and impacts of digital violence and provided practical strategies to prevent abuse online.
The event spotlighted UNFPA’s global #Bodyright campaign, launched in Sierra Leone in 2023, which emphasizes that every human body deserves dignity, respect, and protection, including in online spaces. UN Women’s Real Man Challenge was also featured, encouraging young men to become allies in ending gender-based violence and promoting safe, respectful digital environments.
Young people have the strongest voice in shaping the future of Sierra Leone,
said Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA Country Representative.
When you stand for Bodyright, you stand for safety, dignity, and a future where technology works for people, not against them.
Statements were delivered by UN Women, the Embassy of Iceland, government representatives, and partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in protecting women and girls, strengthening youth engagement, and promoting safe online spaces.
Knoxforda Ayodele Glynis Nicol, Secretary of the Gender Equity Society at Fourah Bay College, offered a vote of thanks, recognizing the organizers and partners for creating a platform where students could learn, express themselves, and gain confidence to challenge digital violence. “We leave here more informed, more empowered, and ready to take action. Together we can make our online spaces safer for all women and girls.”
