By Alhaji Haruna Sani
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has stated his firm conviction that community-led action and the establishment of a full-fledged forensic laboratory will help strengthen investigations into cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at a two-day conference marking the commencement of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Dr. Jalloh emphasized the critical need for scientific support to address the rising cases of violence against women and girls.
The event, organized by SEND-SL and partners themed “Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Sierra Leone,” is part of a global campaign running from November 25 to December 10. The initiative aims to raise awareness and galvanize action to eliminate GBV, engaging communities, governments, and organizations worldwide.
Dr. Jalloh commended Sierra Leone’s progress in addressing GBV through legislative and policy measures but stressed that persistent challenges require innovative solutions.
He underscored the importance of community-led initiatives, highlighting their effectiveness in fostering sustainable change and empowering survivors. “We must remain vigilant to safeguard the progress made in protecting women and girls,” he remarked, urging stronger collaboration between activists, NGOs, and the government.
He acknowledge a recent report launched by SEND-SL on the status of rural health sector, stating that hospital management and care at the hospital level is still a challenge and promised that more will be done in that sect.
He emphasized that fight against GBV must be concentrated at the micro level and not the macro level as it sue to be. He also mentioned training of police officers on handling GBV maters.
Rainbo Initiative Chairperson Margaret Bernard-Jones praised the efforts of organizations like Rainbo Initiative, which operates seven centers across the country, providing free support services to over 50,000 survivors.
She reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to prevention through grassroots advocacy and policy reforms. Bernard-Jones also highlighted the Real Man Campaign, launched by First Lady Fatima Bio, which promotes respect for women and condemns all forms of exploitation.
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, emphasized the urgency of addressing domestic abuse, which has led to several fatalities in recent months.
She highlighted the government’s achievements in passing progressive gender-related legislation, including the Gender Equality Act (2022) and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024). However, she noted gaps in implementation, calling for collective action to ensure these laws effectively protect vulnerable groups.
The Minister assured victims of GBV that her ministry, alongside Rainbo Centres and other support mechanisms, is committed to providing accessible services and support. She urged families to break the culture of silence and report cases of abuse promptly.
Representatives from the 50/50 Group, the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (SLANGO), and Irish Aid also pledged their support in combating GBV. They stressed the importance of ongoing partnerships to end violence against women, especially in rural and underserved areas.
As Sierra Leone commemorates 30 years since the Beijing Declaration on Women’s Empowerment, stakeholders at the conference reiterated their commitment to building a society where every individual can live free from violence and fear.
