MoGCA, Partners Strategise to End Gender-Based Violence Ahead of 16 Days of Activism

The Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs convened an inception meeting with Women's Organisations, Child Protection Partners and Civil Society Organisations on October 15, 2026, coordinating activities for the forthcoming 16 Days of Activism campaign against Gender-Based Violence.

The meeting, held at Ministry headquarters, focused on the campaign theme, planned activities, and strategies for improving access to justice and strengthening protection services for women and girls across Sierra Leone.

Speaking on the Ministry's behalf, Deputy Director Bamie J. Sesay welcomed participants, highlighting the campaign theme: "Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls, Ensure Justice to Protect Survivors and End Impunity." He stressed improving justice access, strengthening survivor support services and reinforcing nationwide protection mechanisms.

Sesay outlined proposed activities including national launch, community outreach mobilisation, school and university engagements, media campaigns and public awareness programmes.

ActionAid called for national district-level engagements addressing challenges marginalised groups face in accessing justice. The organisation proposed engagements with justice sector institutions to identify barriers preventing women and girls from obtaining adequate legal protection. Suggested districts included Bonthe, Moyamba, Kambia and Port Loko.

Rainbo Initiative emphasised simplifying the campaign theme for effective public communication. It called for improved access to justice for vulnerable groups, proposing a national awareness walk promoting anti-gender-based violence messages.

Other participants highlighted consulting women directly, strengthening gender-responsive budgeting reflecting their priorities, expanding district-level campaigns, and raising public awareness of the consequences of violence against women and girls.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment among participating organisations to strengthen collaboration and intensify efforts preventing responding sexual and gender-based violence nationwide.

Engagement is expected to help coordinate stakeholder contributions towards a campaign promoting accountability, improving justice access, and strengthening survivor protection.