16 Days of Activism: Preventing and Eliminating Violence against Women and Girls

The Civil Peace Service (CPS) Liberia Network has officially launched the 2025 observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign held annually from November 25 to December 10 to promote the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The 2025 global theme, “Unite and End Digital Violence against Women and Girls,” is being localized in Liberia under the banner “Prevention and Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.”

The launch, held as an “Evening of Action,” brought together representatives from CPS partner organizations, the Liberia YMCA, AGIAMONDO, the Armed Forces of Liberia, civil society groups, the German Embassy, the Monrovia Consolidated School System, universities, and members of the media. Remarks were delivered by CPS Liberia Network Coordinator Madam Decontee E. George; AGIAMONDO Liberia program lead, and CPS Berlin’s Program Manager for the Mano River Region, Madam Martina Grahl.

Her Excellency Daniela Weber, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Liberia, thanked the CPS Liberia Network for inviting her to form part of the 16 Days of Activism program.

She emphasized that digital violence is as painful and harmful as physical violence, noting that such abuses undermine the dignity of women and girls, silence their voices, and restrict their full participation.

“I am glad and grateful that the CPS Network is addressing these challenges by bringing civil society organizations together to discuss the issues,” she said. She expressed hope that the Network’s awareness efforts will help increase public understanding of digital violations.

Madam Weber also extended appreciation to the panelists for their discussions and the practical recommendations shared on digital safety.

Also in attendance was Madam Martina Grahl, Program Manager for the Civil Peace Service in the Mano River Region. She reminded participants that digital violence and cyberbullying are global problems, not challenges faced by Liberia alone. She welcomed the fact that this year’s campaign has adopted a worldwide theme focused on combating these forms of abuse.

Drawing from her experience working in Argentina, she noted that gender-based violence persists in every part of the world. She stressed that responding to these issues is a shared responsibility and that people at all levels must help raise awareness and advocate for safer digital spaces. Madam Grahl expressed her appreciation to the CPS Network in Liberia for organizing the event and contributing to the broader effort to address digital violence.

The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion on digital safety and women’s rights in online spaces. Panelists included Madam Lisa Daisay, President of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FEJAL); Madam Vivian Kanneh, Gender Officer of the REALISE Project; Madam Hawa Wilson, Program Officer at the Paramount Young Women Initiative; and Mr. Beyan E. Harris, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Leadership and Environment.

Madam Vivian Kanneh stressed that while digital tools create opportunities, their misuse is widespread, contributing to online harms. She urged participants to act as ambassadors against digital violence and highlighted the need for stronger cybersecurity measures, especially in countries where digital protections remain weak.

Mr. Beyan E. Harris welcomed the passage of Liberia’s 2025 Cyber Act, describing it as an important milestone that now allows for the prosecution of cyber-related offenses. He noted that the 16 Days campaign provides a critical moment to raise awareness on cyberbullying and digital violence targeting women and girls.

FEJAL President Madam Lisa Daisay cautioned that the rise of citizen journalism is contributing to misinformation and causing harm to society. She encouraged internet users to exercise caution when publishing online. She also acknowledged the benefits of Artificial Intelligence but warned that misuse of AI can distort facts and damage reputations, urging individuals to protect their personal information.

Madam Hawa Wilson described the internet as a growing space for harassment and bullying, calling for collective responsibility to build safer online communities for women and girls.

CPS Liberia Network highlighted that this year’s campaign aligns national partners with global movements working to combat online gender-based violence. From November 15 to December 10, 2025, the Network and its partners are rolling out a coordinated digital campaign featuring unified messages, infographics, and short videos across social media. Each partner organization will lead daily awareness posts centered on survivor-focused messaging and digital safety tips, supported by unified hashtags to improve visibility.

CPS Liberia Network Coordinator Madam Decontee E. George stated that these initiatives aim “to amplify voices, foster dialogue, and inspire collective action to make digital spaces safer and more inclusive for all.”

In addition to the digital campaign, partner organizations are implementing community-led field activities, integrating the 16 Days campaign into ongoing projects through local outreach, dialogues, and community theater addressing gender-based and digital violence. These efforts are designed to strengthen grassroots engagement and connect online advocacy to real-world action.

Through these combined activities, CPS and its partners aim to expand public and institutional awareness of digital violence against women and girls, and deepen collaboration among civil society, government, and international actors. They also aim to empower youth and community advocates to sustain gender-justice efforts beyond the campaign period.

The Network also anticipates increased visibility through unified messaging and the adoption of a joint Code of Conduct on digital safety and online respect among partner organizations.

Photo Credits: Madam Decontee E. George