UN Agencies Weekly Highlights 24-28th November 2025

UN Women

Sierra Leone launches 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
On 25 November 2025 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with support from the Government of Iceland, UN Women Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and sister UN agencies, officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under the global theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
The campaign brings together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and community leaders and the media to raise awareness and strengthen support for survivors. Speaking at the national launch, Dr. Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, said, “Our Government through its laws from its leader the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio to everyone of us reject every form of violence against All Women and Girls online and offline.” He called on all citizens to UNiTE in ending violence against women and girls, stressing that it is a collective responsibility. 

Representing Ms. Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Mr. Fredrick Ampiah, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He affirmed, "The 16 Days of Activism is a clarion call to all of us: Development Partners, the UN, Government, and Civil Society. It demands tenacity of purpose and unwavering commitment. As the United Nations, we reaffirm our dedication to building a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear, both offline and online." 

According to Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, ending violence against women and girls is not solely a women’s issue, but a collective moral duty and a fundamental human rights obligation. She emphasised that violence in any form undermines national development, weakens families and communities, and erodes the dignity and safety of society as a whole. The UN family, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working with Government, UN agencies, civil society, the private sector, and communities to prevent violence in both physical and digital spaces. 

UNDP

UNDP drives action on gender equality as the 16 Days of Activism begin.
As we mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign calling for the elimination of violence in all its forms. Technology and social media increasingly become tools for harassment and abuse, digital spaces have emerged as a critical frontline in protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls.
In parallel with national advocacy efforts, UNDP Sierra Leone convened a staff consultative meeting on UNDP’s Global Gender Equality Strategy, with technical support from the Regional Bureau for Africa Gender Team.

The session highlighted that while gender equality remains central to Sierra Leone’s development agenda, deeply rooted socio-cultural norms, limited digital access for women, and low representation in leadership continue to restrict opportunities for women and girls.

UNFPA

UNFPA and partners engage students to end digital violence. 
As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, UNFPA Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, UN Women, WHO, the National Cyber Security Coordination Centre (NC3), and the Embassy of Iceland, engaged students at Fourah Bay College to tackle technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). 

The event brought together students, university leadership, government officials, and youth advocates for interactive sessions, panel discussions, and creative student-led performances. Participants explored the forms and impacts of digital violence and gained practical tools to prevent abuse online. 

“Young people have the strongest voice in shaping the future of Sierra Leone,” said UNFPA Country Representative Kunle Adeniyi. “When you stand for Bodyright, you stand for safety, dignity, and a future where technology works for people, not against them.”

Knoxforda Ayodele Glynis Nicol, Secretary of the Gender Equity Society at Fourah Bay College, delivered a vote of thanks: “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.”

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