UN Women Liberia’s Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Yemi Falayajo, has issued a compelling call for collective action against all forms of violence targeting women and girls, as the country launched the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign in Monrovia today.
Speaking at the high-profile event, Ms. Falayajo warned that Liberian women and girls are increasingly experiencing violence in both physical and digital spaces, stressing that online abuse has rapidly become a growing concern.
“The women and girls of Liberia, like their sisters across the world, are no exception to digital violence,” she said. “Let us not forget that they already face high levels of violence offline. From homes to schools, markets to workplaces, gender-based violence remains a deeply rooted challenge. Digital violence adds another layer, often invisible, unreported, and misunderstood.”
She highlighted that harmful gender norms and chronic underfunding continue to hamper national efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. According to her, significant gaps in legal frameworks and weak enforcement mechanisms leave survivors even more vulnerable.
“Structural barriers such as harmful gender norms and underfunding continue to impede progress. Major gaps persist as few countries have laws on online abuse, and the enforcement of existing legislation is weak,” Ms. Falayajo noted.
The UN Women official added that survivors of both physical and digital violence face limited avenues for reporting cases, inadequate access to justice, and a lack of accountability from digital platforms.
“Survivors endure stigma and inadequate support,” she said. “Impunity, compounded by the anonymity and transnational nature of digital crimes, restricts their access to essential services, including justice.”
This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign is expected to rally government institutions, civil society, youth groups, and international partners to intensify efforts to address gender-based violence across Liberia.
The Organizers of the 16 Days Activism hope that stronger policies, increased funding, and greater community engagement will help protect women and girls and promote safer online and offline environments.
The global campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness, inspire advocacy, and stimulate action toward ending violence against women and girls worldwide.
