By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Mano River Women Peace Network, MARWOPNET, has raised concern over increasing cases of sexual and gender-based violence and digital abuse targeting women and girls in Pujehun District, calling for stronger community action to address the problem.
The warning came during a one-day community engagement in Zimmi, Makpele Chiefdom, supported by Irish Aid in partnership with UN Women.
Ibrahim Boiguwa Swaray, MARWOPNET Pujehun District Coordinator, who chaired the session, said communities must prioritize the prevention of violence against women and girls and create safer spaces on social media.
Project Coordinator John Lahai said the engagement was aimed at tackling both SGBV and emerging forms of violence, particularly online harassment. He added that the program also seeks to promote responsible social media use and increase women’s involvement in leadership and decision-making.
Town Chief of Zimmi, Chief Abdulai Konneh, commended MARWOPNET for its work with women and girls. He noted that while government laws exist to protect them, women are often unable to attend community meetings due to business and domestic responsibilities. He urged them to participate more in local development.
Zimmi Chairlady Princess Sesay encouraged women to take advantage of government opportunities to become economically independent. She also called on men to join efforts to end SGBV, including violence perpetrated against women and girls on social media.
Juldeh Jalloh, Officer in Charge of Zimmi Police Post, said reported cases of violence against women have declined since he assumed duty. He urged victims to report incidents promptly to police and relevant authorities.
Program Lead Madam Marian Saamu described MARWOPNET as a women-led sub-regional peacebuilding network formed after the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone and the crisis in Guinea. She said women and girls continue to face SGBV, domestic violence, and abuse on social media.
Saamu noted that using social media to intimidate or harass women is now a criminal offence in Sierra Leone, and assured that MARWOPNET will continue community sensitization until such violence is reduced.
In his keynote address, Abdulai Kallon of the Office of National Security called on participants to become ambassadors against SGBV and digital violence. He stressed the need for collective action and greater support for women in leadership.
“When you empower a girl, you have empowered the world,” Kallon said. He also encouraged women to support one another and take up leadership roles.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for increased reporting of violence, responsible social media use, and stronger participation of women in community affairs.
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