Gender Studies and Human
Rights Documentation Centre

From September to March 2025, the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre (G.S.H.R.D.C.) is implementing the Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSEA): Prevention, Protection and Response project with funding support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). The project seeks to promote the safety and protection of women, girls and children in digital spaces through awareness creation, education and strengthened institutional collaboration. The project is being implemented in selected schools across the Greater Accra of Ghana: Immanuel Presbyterian A and Immanuel Presbyterian B at Madina and the Frafraha Community Senior High School. It responds to the growing threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse, an emerging form of gender-based violence affecting women and girls across the country. According to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), about 85% of victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse (OSEA) are women, girls and children who, due to limited information and digital literacy, fall prey to sexual predators and online blackmailers. These online crimes
often lead to devastating emotional, social and sometimes financial consequences for victims. Recognising this urgent challenge, the G.S.H.R.D.C. designed the OSEA project to close the information and response gap by empowering women, girls and children with the knowledge and resources to stay safe online. The project also seeks to enhance coordination among stakeholders responsible for addressing OSEA in Ghana. The overall goal of the project is to expand public knowledge on OSEA prevention, protection and response mechanisms. The project aims to achieve two key outcomes: (1) enhanced awareness and understanding of OSEA among women, girls and children, and (2) strengthened multi-agency collaboration among state and non-state actors working to address online sexual exploitation and abuse. To achieve these outcomes, the G.S.H.R.D.C. is undertaking a series of targeted activities. These include public education sessions in the three selected schools, where pupils and students are taught safe online practices and how to identify and report digital abuse. In addition, a one-day information-sharing forum is being organised for teachers, parents and community members to discuss collective strategies for preventing OSEA and supporting victims. The project also includes the production and dissemination of 2,000 posters and fliers containing key messages and helpline contacts to promote awareness in schools and communities. These materials, alongside digital campaigns on the Centre’s website and social media platforms, are amplifying the conversation about online safety nationwide. A key innovation of the project is the Stakeholder Forum, which brings together institutions such as the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Child Online Africa and the Ghana Education Service (GES). The forum provides an opportunity for these institutions and other stakeholders to share experiences, clarify roles and develop a joint plan of action for improved coordination and response to online abuse cases. Follow-up engagements will assess how these actors are applying lessons from the forum and implementing collaborative activities. By the end of the project, approximately 450 individuals, including pupils, students, teachers and community members, will benefit directly from its interventions, while an additional 800 people will be reached indirectly through online campaigns and partner activities. Through this initiative, G.S.H.R.D.C. is contributing to the creation of safer digital environments for women, girls, and children. By increasing awareness, strengthening community and institutional responses and encouraging responsible internet use, the project underscores the Centre’s long-standing commitment to advancing women’s rights and protection in all spheres of life, both offline and online.