On November 30, 2024, UN Women, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the Icelandic Government, concluded a pivotal dialogue in Matru Jong, Bonthe District, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The event prominently featured the Real Man Campaign, which focuses on engaging men and boys as key allies in combating GBV.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including Ms. Goodie Sowonie, Director of Gender; Andrew A.B. Kamara, Deputy Secretary; Mrs. Hannah Agness Robinson, Assistant Director; Mohamed K. Turay, Manager of the One-Stop Center in Matru Jong; representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Inter-Religious Council; and the Local Unit Commander for Bonthe District. Community members actively participated, voicing their concerns and offering recommendations to eradicate GBV nationwide.
Chairperson Madam Sarah Rogers welcomed attendees, commending the Ministry’s relentless efforts to address GBV. She introduced key speakers, who shared insights on the GBV challenges faced in Bonthe and their collective efforts to address them.
Ms. Goodie Sowonie provided an overview of the 16 Days of Activism and the Real Man Campaign. She emphasized the importance of education, sensitization, and partnerships in combating GBV. “We need strong men in this fight,” she stated, acknowledging the invaluable support of UN Women and other organizations
Mrs. Hannah Agness Robinson detailed the Ministry’s strategies, referencing critical policies like the 2021 GBV Response Strategy, the GEWE Act of 2022, and the National Referral Pathway. She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that 60.7% of women aged 15–49 have experienced GBV, and called for urgent collective action.
The Local Unit Commander urged vigilance and active participation, particularly from men, noting the role motorbike riders often play in GBV cases. “We need to stand strong as men during this sensitization,” he remarked, praising the campaign’s focus on engaging men as allies.
Representatives from CSOs discussed their efforts in reporting and investigating GBV cases. The Inter-Religious Council called for a grassroots approach, urging religious leaders to collaborate with the Ministry in achieving its goals. “Religious leaders nationwide should partner with the Ministry to achieve its objectives,” a council representative added.
Uslu Maylla, Senior Policy Adviser for UN Women, highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to empower women and girls through education, media outreach, and environmental programs. She stressed the crucial role of men and boys in advocating for women, stating, “GBV remains one of the most challenging issues to address.”
The session concluded with actionable recommendations from community members to strengthen the Ministry’s anti-GBV strategies. A powerful call to action resonated through the hall: “Leh we join a for tap violence pa uman n gal picking” (“Let us unite to end violence against women and girls”).
This dialogue underscored the shared commitment of the Ministry, its partners, and local communities to create a violence-free Sierra Leone.
