By Laurina B Lormia
The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has concluded a one-day national stakeholders’ forum on women’s online digital rights in Liberia.
The Forum, held in Monrovia on March 11, 2025, brought together government officials, civil society actors, media professionals, and digital rights advocates, to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding women’s access to and protection in the digital space.
The event forms part of broader regional efforts to advance digital rights and ensure that women in West Africa can fully exercise their rights in the online space without fear of abuse or exclusion.
Giving an overview at the event, Executive Director of CEMESP’s Malcolm Joseph, emphasized the importance of creating a safer and more inclusive online environment for women.
He highlighted the growing concerns of cyber harassment, digital discrimination, and the need for policies that promote gender equity in the digital sphere.
According to him, women in Liberia face significant challenges in the digital space, ranging from online harassment to limited access to digital tools and resources. “It is crucial that we address these issues collectively,” he said.
He further noted that the media plays a vital role in shaping narratives and should actively promote gender-sensitive reporting to foster a more equitable online environment.
A representative from MFWA Vivian Affoah, underscored the significance of digital rights as fundamental human rights and called for increased awareness and legal frameworks to protect women against online abuse.
She stated that, women’s participation in the digital space is crucial for national development. “We must ensure that they have equal access to technology without fear of harassment or discrimination,” Affoah said.
She also stressed the need for collaboration between media institutions, policymakers, and civil society organizations to push for stronger cyber laws that safeguard women from digital violence.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace Kollie, the National Gender Consultant, Delphine C. Morris, expressed concerns over the increasing number of online abuse cases targeting women.
She emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that policies are put in place to curb such violations. “Gender-based online violence is a serious issue that must not be ignored,” she added.
“Women should feel safe using digital platforms, and we must work together to create a space that is free from intimidation and discrimination,” she stated. She called for the implementation of public awareness campaigns to educate communities on digital safety.
A representative from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, also spoke on the critical role of regulatory frameworks in protecting women’s digital rights.
He pointed out that, the authority is working towards ensuring that internet governance in Liberia incorporates measures that prioritize the safety and inclusion of women. Adding they are going to connect internet to all of the schools in the rural and urban areas.
However, participants at the forum engaged in discussions on existing gaps in Liberia’s digital policies and the role of media and civil society in advocating for a more inclusive digital landscape.
Key issues raised included the lack of comprehensive cyber laws, limited digital literacy among women, and inadequate response mechanisms for victims of online abuse.
To address these challenges, stakeholders recommended the following: Enhanced Digital Literacy Programs, strengthening initiatives that educate women on online safety, digital skills, and cybercrime prevention.
Additionally, stronger enforcement of Cyber Laws, ensuring that existing laws are effectively enforced to prosecute perpetrators of online gender-based violence, urging tech platforms and internet service providers to adopt policies that protect users from online abuse and harassment.
Meanwhile, CEMESP and MFWA reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for digital rights in Liberia and called on all stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at protecting women’s online freedoms.
As discussions continue, stakeholders hope that the recommendations from the forum will translate into concrete actions that lead to a safer, more inclusive digital environment for women in Liberia.
