By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia –
More than fifty (50) young Liberian females have benefited from a Digital Safety Awareness Session organized by ActionAid Liberia. The one-day training, held at the organization’s head office on the Old Road, focused on equipping women and girls with the knowledge and tools needed to safely navigate the digital space.
The event was held under the global theme:
“Unite to End Violence: Protecting All Women and Girls in Our Communities and Digital Space.”
and the digital session sub-theme:
“Empowering All Women & Girls to Stay Safe and Protected Online.”
The initiative aimed to educate young women on how to identify, respond to, and prevent online threats such as cyberbullying, harassment, impersonation, and other forms of digital abuse that continue to affect females across Liberia.
Speaking on behalf of the Country Director Elizabeth Johnson, James Pewee, Acting Head of Programmes at ActionAid Liberia, welcomed participants and stressed the importance of digital safety, especially for young women who are increasingly active on social media.
“Our women’s rights continue to be violated through digital means,” Pewee said. “Many of us have seen how women and girls are bullied on various online platforms. This training is intended to help you understand the legal frameworks and the protective mechanisms put in place by the government.”
He added that awareness is the first step to protection.
“Knowledge is power. Once you know what should not happen and what your rights are online, you will also know how to respond when faced with abuse.”
Meanwhile, Child Rights Ambassador Little Angie Lynn Sackey, popularly known as Lil Nicki, delivered an inspiring message, urging young women to recognize their self-worth and speak out against all forms of abuse.
“From rape and domestic violence to early marriage and female genital mutilation, women and girls have suffered for too long,” she said. “But the best person to support you is yourself. You must first recognize who you are and the great potential inside you.”
She emphasized that silence cannot end injustice.
“If we remain silent, how can we achieve justice? It is not possible. We must raise our voices.”
Lil Nicki encouraged girls to continue advocating for change in their homes, communities, and the nation at large.
In addition, the session formed part of ActionAid Liberia’s ongoing advocacy during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to creating safe digital spaces for women and girls as smartphone use and online engagement continue to grow.
Participants expressed gratitude for the training and called for more digital safety programs in schools and communities throughout Liberia.
