Gender Ministry & Partners Conclude First Town Hall Meeting on SGBV
Written By: Edward Dictionary Caulker
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with various partners including the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the UN in Sierra Leone, hosted a nationwide town hall meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium. The event focused on addressing the pressing issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and brought together voices from all sectors to discuss and develop strategies for combating these pervasive and inhumane acts.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, reaffirmed President Bio’s deep concern regarding the high incidence of rape and gender-based violence in the country. She emphasized the need for national unity in addressing the scourge: “We must come together as a nation to address the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence. This town hall meeting is an opportunity for every district to contribute to finding effective solutions.”
Dr. Mahoi further announced that similar town hall meetings will be held in every district of Sierra Leone to ensure wide-reaching community participation and input.
The event, chaired by Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, featured presentations from a distinguished panel. Speakers included the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu; Presidential Adviser on Gender, Isatu Jabbie Kabba; Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby; Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey; Chief Justice Nicholas Browne-Marke; and Daniel Kettor, Director of the Rainbow Center. Each presentation highlighted key initiatives from their respective sectors, illustrating the Government’s comprehensive approach to tackling SGBV and proposing solutions.
Daniel Kettor, Director of the Rainbow Center, stressed the importance of community engagement, justice, accountability, and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing SGBV: “Addressing SGBV requires a multi-faceted approach that includes every sector of society.”
Dr. Austin Demby reported on the Ministry of Health’s efforts, noting the training of 1,500 health workers to support SGBV victims with respect and confidentiality, and ensuring all cases are reported to law enforcement.
Conrad Sackey discussed the implementation of a school-based sex education plan and initiatives like toll-free reporting lines for sexual abuse in schools, underscoring the role of education in prevention.
Inspector General William Fayia Sellu emphasized law enforcement’s role in investigating and prosecuting SGBV cases, including community awareness efforts and the expansion of Family Support Units.
Chief Justice Nicholas Browne-Marke highlighted the judiciary’s efforts in establishing a special court for sexual violence and plans for decentralization, aiming to deliver justice while minimizing harm to families.
Isatu Jabbie Kabba, Presidential Adviser on Gender, highlighted President Bio’s establishment of a Presidential Taskforce on Gender-Based Violence and the creation of one-stop centers in major hospitals nationwide.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr announced plans by the Freetown City Council to install over 60 boreholes in communities to reduce the risk of SGBV, emphasizing the importance of basic necessities in preventing violence.
The event concluded with an interactive session facilitated by Minister Chernor Bah, where survivors, activists, NGOs, and the public shared experiences and proposed solutions. Key challenges identified included cultural norms, compromised justice systems, inadequate support, and underreporting of abuse.
Minister Chernor Bah concluded the event by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to create a safer environment for all, especially women and children: “Together, we can make Sierra Leone a place where every individual can live free from the fear of violence.”
