The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with UN Women and Iceland, successfully hosted a town hall meeting aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in rural communities. Held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the engagement focused on enlightening boys and men on their critical roles in combating GBV through the Real Man Campaign.
The session, chaired by Mrs. Catherine Bureh, featured high-level participants, including Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Hindowa Bindi, Deputy Secretary Andrew Kamara, UN Women Representative Usu Mallya, and Inspector Momoh from the Family Support Unit (FSU). Representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Human Rights Commission, 50/50 Group, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the local community also contributed.
Education as a Tool for Change
The Director of Education for Pujehun District highlighted the ministry’s role in combating GBV, emphasising school civic education. He underlined the vulnerability of school environments and urged communities to support efforts to educate boys and girls about the consequences of sexual violence.
Ministry of Gender’s Call to Action
Deputy Secretary Andrew Kamara presented an overview of the 16 Days of Activism, stressing the significance of collective efforts in tackling GBV. Kamara noted that GBV affects both sexes and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working with development partners and grassroots organisations to eradicate these issues. “Gender-based violence isn’t solely a women’s issue; it’s a societal problem,” he said, calling on boys and men to lead change in their communities.
Community Insights on GBV
Community leaders and representatives shared perspectives on GBV. Chief Brima, the district head, outlined the challenges faced in addressing GBV locally and praised UN Women and the Ministry of Gender for their continued support. Inspector Momoh of the FSU detailed their successes in prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence, reporting the arrest of 30 offenders in the district. He emphasised the collaboration between law enforcement and traditional leaders in addressing GBV cases and encouraged community vigilance.
UN Women’s Strategic Vision
UN Women Representative Usu Mallya delivered an inspiring address on the global fight against GBV. She outlined strategies to address challenges in rural areas, including promoting women’s economic empowerment, representation in media, and access to education. “UN Women stands firm in the fight for women’s rights,” Mallya declared, highlighting the urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to combat GBV.
Deputy Minister Bindi’s Keynote Address
Deputy Minister Hindowa Bindi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending GBV, emphasising President Julius Maada Bio's leadership in championing women’s and children’s rights. He encouraged men and boys to emulate positive role models and align with initiatives like the Real Man Campaign.
Bindi also addressed the importance of the Child Rights Act, currently under parliamentary review, and called for expanded One-Stop Center facilities to provide comprehensive support for GBV survivors. Reflecting on the ministry’s broader strategy, he noted that efforts must reach rural communities to ensure inclusive participation in the fight against GBV.
“Every woman in Sierra Leone is our mother, and every child is our future,” Bindi remarked, urging collective action to foster safe and empowered communities for all.
The event concluded with actionable commitments from stakeholders to sustain the fight against GBV, foster inter-agency collaboration, and strengthen community-level interventions.
Kelvin Mark Kargbo
Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA)
Email: mkelson367@gmail.com
Phone: +232 80 644-582
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