Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie Condemns Online Violence Against Liberian Women, Calls for Stronger Protection
By Lazota Bility
November 25, 2025
Monrovia: The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Gbeme Horace Kollie, has strongly condemned the recent online bullying of a Liberian woman, describing the act as “unacceptable, unpatriotic, and culturally indecent.”
She made the remarks at the official launch of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and strengthening action against violence targeting women and girls. Minister Warns Against Rising Digital Abuse Commenting on the disturbing video circulating on social media, the Minister said the content poses a serious threat to public safety and societal values.
“Fellow Liberians, the trending video bullying a Liberian woman is one of the very reasons we have assembled here,” she said. “No woman, no child, no boy should experience such humiliation by social media content producers.
There is absolutely no excuse for online abuse.” She also referenced a new digital landscape analysis, showing that 45.8% of Liberia’s social media users are women, while 54.2% are men. As of early 2025, an estimated 941,000 Liberians aged 18 and above representing 30.8% of the adult population were active on social media.
The Minister noted that online abuse has become one of the most alarming global forms of violence against women. She highlighted key global statistics: 16% to 58% of women worldwide have experienced technology-facilitated violence.
38% of women have personally suffered online abuse. 85% of women have witnessed digital harassment or attacks against others. “Nearly half of the world’s women lack specific legal protection from digital abuse,” she emphasized.
“This crisis demands global, continental, and national cooperation, along with greater accountability from technology companies to create safer online environments.” Minister Kollie stressed that gender-based violence in Liberia continues to be a serious threat to the safety and dignity of women, girls, boys, and children.
She emphasized that the rise in digital attacks calls for renewed vigilance and stronger collaborative efforts. She highlighted this year’s global and national themes: Global Theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
National Theme: “UNiTE to End Violence: Protecting All Women and Children in Our Communities and Digital Spaces.” “These themes remind us that the safety of women and children extends beyond the home and the streets and into our increasingly connected online world,” she said.
The Minister called for a unified national effort, involving government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, community members, and technology stakeholders. The Ministry of Gender has reached out to the woman featured in the online video to provide psychosocial support during her time of distress.
In a separate development, the Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the death of Esther David, who was reportedly killed by her husband, Abraham Mator, in Todee District following an argument over a mobile phone.
Preliminary investigations suggest the disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, during which Esther collapsed and later died from her injuries. Reports also indicate the couple had a previous history of domestic violence.
The Ministry is calling on the Ministry of Justice and all law enforcement agencies to ensure the perpetrator is apprehended and prosecuted in line with Liberian law
