To unite communities across Sierra Leone to tackle gender-based violence and protect children, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs held a critical coordination meeting to prepare for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism. This year’s campaign, “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” promises to be a call to action from city streets to rural villages, aiming to leave no voice unheard.
The meeting, hosted at the Ministry’s headquarters and chaired by Assistant Director Mr. Bami Sesay, was filled with passionate voices. Representatives from civil society, the Electoral Commission, local government, and the Human Rights Commission gathered to share their ideas, each profoundly aware of the importance of this campaign. Many attendees had seen firsthand the impact of violence on families and communities, making their contributions profoundly personal and rooted in a desire for change.
“This is not just about policy; it is about people’s lives,” s
aid Mr. Sesay, his voice resonating with a sense of urgency. “When we talk about gender-based violence, we are talking about our sisters, our mothers, our daughters. These are stories from our communities, and we must respond.”
For many in attendance, the upcoming 16 Days of Activism represents an opportunity to shine a light on the dark corners where violence and abuse often hide. With the campaign set to run from 25th November to 10th December 2024, the Ministry aims to reach into the heart of Sierra Leonean society, mobilizing men, women, and children to speak out against abuse and support those who have suffered.
Christiana, a representative from the Electoral Commission, voiced a concern shared by many-that rural communities, often the most vulnerable, are sometimes left out of these conversations. “We must ensure that the message does not just stay in Freetown,” she urged. We need to reach the villages, the chiefdoms, the places where women suffer in silence. Only then will this campaign truly make a
difference.”
Many at the meeting echoed this sentiment. Josephine Fatoma from the Office of National Security reminded the group that the fight against gender-based violence must be inclusive. “We need to use local languages so the people who need this information the most can understand it,” she said. Her suggestion struck a chord, and the group nodded in agreement.
Amid the discussions, Mariama from the Human Rights Commission made an emotional plea for better enforcement of laws against sexual violence. “We hear about the laws, but how many are truly being implemented?” she asked, her voice cracking slightly. “These victims deserve justice, not just words on paper.”
One of the more powerful moments of the meeting came when Mr. Sesay outlined the launch of the “Real Man Campaign.” Targeted at men, the campaign aims to challenge traditional attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate domestic violence. “We need men to stand up,” Mr. Sesay said, adding, “We need fathers and brothers to set examples, to show th
at real strength lies in protection, not violence.”
As the meeting drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of determination in the room. Committees were formed, each tasked with ensuring the campaign’s success, from school outreach to community mobilization. Attendees lingered, exchanging ideas, determined to do more than just talk.
For Director Bami Sesay, the real work begins now. “This is not just an event on the calendar. This is a movement,” he said, shaking hands with participants as they left. “We are responsible to our communities to ensure that the message of peace, respect, and safety reaches every home.”
As Sierra Leone prepares for the 16 Days of Activism, there is hope that this year’s campaign will inspire change, not just in policies but in the hearts and minds of people nationwide. As everyone at the meeting agreed, ending gender-based violence is a collective responsibility-one that requires action from every corner of society.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency
