By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Marigold Initiative unveiled its groundbreaking “Beyond Access Report” during a launch that took place at the Africell American Corner located on Bathurst Street in Freetown on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The comprehensive report delves into the digital knowledge and rights awareness of senior secondary school girls..
The report also revealed that 73% of girls surveyed have access to technology, but there exists a significant disparity between girls in private and public schools, with the former enjoying greater technological access. Alarmingly, 21% of these girls reported experiencing cyber-bullying.
Furthermore, the report highlights that 46% of girls lack the knowledge to protect themselves online. One-quarter of the surveyed girls admitted to sharing sensitive information that they later regretted, while a staggering 90% of them have never received digital rights training.
The keynote speaker, Millicent Kargbo, the Executive President of SLAWIJ (Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism), commended the organization for the timely report. She emphasized the rampant issue of cyber-bullying and its devastating effects on its victims. Kargbo disclosed that in 2022, a similar report was conducted, focusing on the attacks faced by members of her organization and other women in public positions. She stressed the importance of continuing to advocate for a safe online environment for women and girls.
Kargbo encouraged her audience to assert their rights and speak out against cyber-bullying, reminding them that legal protections exist, and cyber-bullies can face penalties. Notably, she acknowledged that women can sometimes be bullied not only by men but also by their fellow women. Kargbo concluded her speech by officially launching the “Beyond Access Report,” followed by a detailed presentation by a representative from Meraki Analytics, a data research firm.
Tracy Jac-During, Founder and Leader of the Marigold Initiative, expressed her gratitude to all attendees, explaining that the initiative was borne out of a passionate desire to create a secure online space for girls. She emphasized the significance of providing girls in Sierra Leone with a beacon of hope, as many are victims of cyber-bullying. She stressed the importance of not only highlighting the dangers of online platforms but also showcasing the numerous opportunities available to girls.
Jac-During encouraged girls to protect themselves by not sharing their passwords and advised them to create their email and social media accounts independently to prevent password leakage.
The event featured various performances by members of the organization and included additional speakers shedding light on the pressing issue.
