RAINBO INITIATIVE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES 2024 SGVB DATA, ANNUAL REPORT, AND ONLINE DASHBOARD.

Today, the Rainbo Initiative officially launched its 2024 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGVB) data, annual report, and an innovative online dashboard to enhance record tracking and accessibility. The event attracted key stakeholders from government ministries, development partners, and civil society organisations.

Present at the ceremony were Mr. Daniel Kettor, Director of Rainbo Initiative; Mr. Anthony Sam, Technical Advisor; Mr. Bob Lamin, Communications and Advocacy Manager; Mr. Charles Vandi, Deputy Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs; Ms. Erica Philip from Irish Aid; and Mrs. Flounce Taylor-Toung, a representative from the Ministry of Justice, among others.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Anthony Sam appreciated the distinguished guests and participants who gathered to witness the official launch, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts in the fight against SGVB.

Delivering a keynote statement, Mr. Daniel Kettor, Director of Rainbo Initiative, highlighted the organisation's strides in combating SGVB across Sierra Leone. He noted that 70% of the organization’s workforce comprises women and stressed its commitment to offering medical and psychosocial support to survivors, especially within learning institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Flounce Taylor-Toung reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable. She outlined the collaborative efforts with the Sierra Leone Police to improve case handling and ensure justice for survivors.

Representing Irish Aid, Ms. Erica Philip commended Rainbo Initiative’s efforts to support survivors. He pledged Irish Aid’s continued commitment to working with the Government and partners to eradicate SGVB in Sierra Leone.

The event climaxed with the keynote address by Mr. Charles Vandi, Deputy Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, who officially launched the 2024 SGVB data, annual report, and online dashboard. He stated that the data covers the period from January to December 2024, and the dashboard is designed to provide a real-time overview of cases reported at Rainbo Centres in the organisation's seven operational districts.

Mr. Vandi further revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone has implemented the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS) in three districts and plans to roll it out nationwide to create a unified and comprehensive picture of GBV incidents nationwide.

The event concluded with a group photograph and informal interactions among stakeholders and participants.

Kelvin Mark Kargbo

📧 mkelson367@gmail.com | 📞 078104964