LocationsStrengthening e-Monitoring to Address Technology-Facilitated GBV in Sierra Leone: A UNDP–Global Rule of Law Initiative Supported by the Government of Korea
March 26, 2026
UNDP Sierra Leone in partnership with the Global Rule of Law, supported by the Korean National Policy Agency with the Government of Korea supported a one day workshop to define the scope and methodology of the Sierra Leone e-monitoring plus platform to generate data on tech facilitated GBV and improve on the policy and institutional response to tech facilitated GBV. Participants were drawn from the office of the National Cyber security Coordinating Centre, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit and Women in the Media Sierra Leone.
Innovation and Digital Lead facilitating the e-monitoring workshop session in Sierra Leone.
Participants discussed the concept of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and its impact on the survivors. Various case scenarios were explored and reflected on to understand the critical trend and patterns of the various forms of violence on various social media platforms. Participants identified cyberbullying, cyberstalking, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of images. It was also noted that abusive language and hate speech are commonly used to demean and target individuals, particularly women. The discussion further emphasized that technology acts as a powerful enabler of gender-based violence by increasing the speed, reach, and anonymity with which harmful content can be created and disseminated.
Gender Analyst, engages participants during a session on digital monitoring for technology-facilitated gender-based violence in Sierra Leone
Participants explored how certain words, phrases, and patterns of language can signal abusive or harmful behavior online. Emphasis was placed on the importance of context when interpreting such keywords, as well as the need for careful analysis to avoid misclassification.
Actors and Dynamics of TFGBV session also examined the different actors involved in technology-facilitated GBV. Participants identified three main groups:
Perpetrators, who initiate or spread harmful content;
Victims/Survivors, who are the targets of abuse, predominantly women and girls;
Bystanders, who may either challenge or amplify abusive content.
Participants discussed how these actors can be identified through their online behavior, communication styles, and interaction patterns. The facilitators encouraged deeper reflection on how and why such violence is expressed, including the social and cultural factors that may influence online behavior. Further discussions explored how TFGBV is expressed digitally, including the tone, language, and intent behind abusive messages. Participants examined why individuals engage in such behavior and how these patterns can be detected through systematic monitoring.
The session underscored the importance of recognizing recurring forms of abuse, understanding motivations, and developing strategies to identify and respond to harmful content effectively.
Participants engage in a breakout session to explore digital monitoring approaches for addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.
Conclusion
The meeting provided a valuable platform for building a shared understanding of the scope of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and its implications in Sierra Leone. Participants gained insights into the forms, actors, and digital patterns associated with TFGBV, as well as practical approaches to monitoring online spaces.
The interactive nature of the session strengthened collaboration among institutions and highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing digital forms of gender-based violence.
Based on the discussions, the following recommendations were proposed:
Strengthen collaboration among institutions to improve monitoring and response to TFGBV.
Develop and maintain localized keyword databases for effective digital tracking.
Enhance public awareness on responsible digital behavior and online safety.
Build capacity of stakeholders in digital monitoring tools and methodologies.
Establish and promote accessible reporting mechanisms and support systems for survivors.