By Kadiatu A. Turay
Port Loko transformed into a vibrant center of innovation and empowerment today as the Media Reform Coordinating Group Sierra Leone (MRCG-SL), in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, hosted a ground-breaking Digital Literacy, AI Skills Training, and Women’s Online Safety Workshop at Bankasoka Radio. Led by National Coordinator Dr. Francis Sowa Esq, the event brought together female journalists and activists to bridge the digital divide and foster resilience against online challenges.
In an increasingly digital world, digital literacy and online safety are essential, yet many women in Sierra Leone face vulnerabilities like cyberbullying, stalking, and digital exclusion. This workshop provided a supportive environment for women to learn, share experiences, and explore AI’s potential for growth, advocacy, and social impact, addressing these critical gaps head-on.
The training was structured around three pivotal themes
Participants gained foundational skills in using digital tools for education, journalism, and advocacy, empowering them to navigate online platforms with confidence and safety.
Trainer Sheakman introduced AI tools like ChatGPT, offering practical lessons on leveraging them for creativity and problem-solving while stressing ethical use to avoid misuse.
Dr. Sowa Esq. highlighted Sierra Leone’s Cybersecurity and Crimes Act, particularly Section 44 on cyberstalking and bullying, urging women to assert their legal rights and transform the internet into a space of empowerment.
Women shared poignant accounts of online and physical harassment, fostering solidarity and inspiring action against such threats. These narratives underscored the workshop’s role in building a united front against adversity.
Dr. Sowa Esq. encouraged participants to become digital pioneers, stating, women must lead and innovate in technology, not just use it shaping Sierra Leone’s digital future is in your hands. The sessions showcased how digital platforms can amplify advocacy and professional growth, turning challenges into opportunities.
The event doubled as a networking hub, connecting passionate journalists and activists to forge lasting collaborations, participants left inspired, equipped to create safer online spaces and tackle real-world issues using technology.
This workshop marks a vital stride in Sierra Leone’s push for digital inclusion and women’s empowerment, blending literacy, AI training, and safety awareness for lasting change. The partnership between MRCG-SL, Bankasoka Radio, and the Netherlands Embassy exemplifies the power of collective action for equity and opportunity.
More than an event, this workshop ignited a movement, arming women with skills and confidence to thrive digitally while committing to share knowledge, sparking a ripple effect of empowerment across Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
