The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, in collaboration with UN Women and the Icelandic Government, concluded a significant dialogue engagement with community members in Matru Jong, Bonthe District, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The event also highlighted the Real Man Campaign, emphasising the role of men and boys in combating GBV.
Key participants included Ms Goodie Sowonie, Director of Gender; Andrew A.B. Kamara, Deputy Secretary; Mrs Hannah Agness Robinson, Assistant Director; Mohamed K. Turay, Manager of the One Stop Center in Matru Jong; representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Inter-Religious Council; and the Local Unit Commander for Bonthe District. Community members actively participated, voicing their concerns and sharing recommendations to eliminate GBV nationwide.
Opening Session
Chairperson Madam Sarah Rogers welcomed guests and commended the Ministry’s dedication to addressing GBV. She introduced the speakers who shared insights into GBV issues in Bonthe and discussed their collective experiences in tackling this societal challenge.
Overview of Initiatives
Ms. Goodie Sowonie outlined the framework and objectives of the 16 Days of Activism and the Real Man Campaign, stressing the importance of education, sensitisation, and collaboration with development partners. She noted that the Real Man Campaign is a global initiative promoting the role of men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV.
“We need strong men in this fight,” Ms Sowonie emphasised, acknowledging the unwavering support of UN Women and other organisations.
Mrs Hannah Agness Robinson elaborated on the Ministry's strategic interventions, referencing critical policies like the 2021 GBV Response Strategy, the GEWE Act of 2022, and the National Referral Pathway. She highlighted sobering statistics showing that 60.7% of women aged 15–49 have experienced GBV and called for urgent action to address this crisis.
Community Perspectives
The Local Unit Commander called for vigilance and active participation by men, especially motorbike riders, often identified as perpetrators of GBV. “We need to stand strong as men during this sensitisation,” he remarked, praising the campaign’s focus on engaging men as allies.
Representatives from CSOs shared their role in reporting and investigating GBV cases, while the Inter-Religious Council stressed the importance of a community-driven approach to tackling GBV. “Religious leaders nationwide should partner with the Ministry to achieve its goals,” a council representative urged.
Role of UN Women
Uslu Maylla, Senior Policy Adviser from UN Women, highlighted the organisation’s contributions to empowering women and girls through education, media engagement, and environmental initiatives. She emphasised the importance of men and boys as advocates for women, acknowledging that “GBV remains one of the most challenging issues to address.”
Recommendations and Closing
The session concluded with community members sharing practical recommendations to enhance the Ministry’s strategies against GBV. A resounding call to action echoed through the hall: “Leh we join a for tap violence pa uman n gal picking” ("Let us unite to end violence against women and girls").
This dialogue reaffirmed the Ministry's, its partners', and local communities' collective commitment to achieving a violence-free Sierra Leone.
Kelvin Mark Kargbo
+232 80 644-582
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