Monrovia–The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), in partnership with the Accra-based Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and with funding support from the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana, successfully hosted a one-day National Stakeholders Forum on Women’s Digital/Online Rights in Liberia.
The event, which was held at a local hotel in Monrovia recently, brought together key policymakers, civil society organizations, the media and digital rights advocates to discuss the challenges and opportunities for advancing women’s online rights in Liberia.
The Executive Director of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding CEMESP Malcolm Joseph providing an overview of the forum said, women in Liberia like many parts of the world are frequently subjected to cyber bulling, threats, and name calling particularly targeting women who are active in public life. He said the forum also aimed at reducing the incidents of online harassment against women, and increase the use of digital tools.
The forum was officially opened with an address delivered by Chief Information Officer Sheik sheriff on behalf of Liberia’s Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sekou Kromah. In his remarks, he emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening digital policies that protect and empower women in online spaces. Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando in a special statement highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gender gap digital divide and ensure women’s full participation in the digital economy.
Women’s rights Consultant Delphine Morris, representing the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace Kellie, also delivered a statement at the forum.
A key presentation on “The State of Digital Rights in Liberia” was delivered by Ombudsman Cllr. Lamii Kpargoi, who provided an overview of the country’s progress and challenges in ensuring digital freedoms. Additionally, Peter King Quake of the West Africa ICT Action Network presented on “Women’s Rights Online in Liberia: Policy Gaps and Recommendations”, where he outlined key policy reforms needed to enhance women’s access, safety, and participation in digital spaces.
The forum featured a panel discussion that brought together Antoinette Sendolo, Program Officer at Kvinna Till Kvinna-Sweden, and Laura Korvah, Regional Coordinator of the Women NGO Secretariat. The panelists shared insights on the lived experiences of women in Liberia’s digital landscape, focusing on online gender-based violence, accessibility barriers, and the role of civil society in advocating for stronger protections and digital inclusion policies.
Delivering special remarks on behalf of MFWA, Vivian Affoah, the Program Manager for Digital Rights, stressed the importance of sustained advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing digital inequalities. She reaffirmed MFWA’s commitment to working with national and international partners to push for robust digital rights frameworks that safeguard women’s rights online in Liberia.
At the conclusion of the forum, stakeholders agreed on key recommendations, including the need for stronger policies to combat online harassment, enhanced digital literacy programs for women and girls, and greater investment in digital infrastructure to ensure equitable access to technology. The event ended with a call for continued collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and international partners to drive meaningful change in Liberia’s digital rights landscape, particularly for women and marginalized groups.