The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with the Community of Practice (COP), convened a critical dialogue on gender justice and accountability on November 26, 2024, at Hotel Cabenda, Signal Hill, Freetown. The event provided a platform for discussing systemic injustices linked to gender-based violence (GBV) and exploring actionable recommendations to address these pressing issues.
The dialogue brought together prominent representatives from key institutions, including Gender Director Ms. Goodie Sowonie, Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandy, Executive Director of Rainbow Initiative Daniel Kettor, Deputy Inspector General of Police, officials from the Attorney General’s Office, Plan International, and senior leaders from COP.
Chairperson Highlights Systemic Gaps
The event was chaired by Madam Gabba from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), who opened with a comprehensive overview of the systemic injustices that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) endure. She emphasized the long-term impact of these challenges on victims and called for actionable insights from the representatives to address these gaps effectively.
Ministry’s Commitment to Tackling GBV
Director of Gender, Ms. Goodie Sowonie, outlined the Ministry's recent progress in combating GBV, commending Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi for her steadfast commitment to the cause. She highlighted several key initiatives, including:
Establishing one-stop centers in seven districts to support GBV survivors.
Launching the 116 helpline for reporting rape and sexual assault cases.
Establishing Sexual Offences Model Courts in Freetown and Kailahun.
Ms. Sowonie also emphasized the pending Child Rights Act (CRA) Bill, urging Parliament to expedite its passage to safeguard the welfare of children across the nation.
Insights from the Rainbo Initiative
Executive Director of the Rainbow Initiative, Mr. Daniel Kettor, shared his organization's contributions to addressing GBV nationwide. He detailed ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence, noting their focus on eliminating stigmatization and discrimination faced by victims. Mr. Kettor called for collective vigilance and dedication in the fight against GBV.
Religious Council Voices Concern
Representing the Religious Council, Mr. Samuel Byrne from COP underscored its commitment to addressing GBV, highlighting its historical role in Sierra Leone's peacebuilding efforts. He lamented the exclusion of religious leaders from crucial decision-making processes on GBV and urged stakeholders to involve them in future deliberations.
Police Commit to Enhancing Response Mechanisms
The Deputy Inspector General of Police outlined the measures taken by law enforcement to combat GBV, including specialized training for officers to handle cases of rape, sexual violence, and physical abuse. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the police and the Ministry of Gender to ensure justice for survivors.
Kelvin Mark Kargbo
Email: mkelson367@gmail.com
Phone: +232 80 644-582
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