By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with its partners, held a Press Conference on Friday, November 22, 2024, at its office on Big Waterloo Street, Freetown, to unveil plans for their upcoming 16 Days of Activism campaign, which will run from November 25 to December 10, 2024. The campaign, aligning with international observances such as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 and International Human Rights Day on December 10, aims to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of gender-based violence and its devastating impact on women and girls.
This year’s campaign is centered on a country-specific theme: “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls” The initiative, which will engage various sectors of society, emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the struggle to end violence against women since the landmark 1995 Beijing Declaration.
The 16 Days of Activism will feature a series of activities aimed at educating the public, empowering women and girls and fostering community engagement. Among the key events announced at the Press Conference is the launch of the Real Man campaign, which seeks to involve men and boys in the fight against gender-based violence. The campaign will promote positive masculinity and social responsibility through speeches, performances and discussions. Government officials, development partners, UN agencies and various stakeholders will be part of the event.
Other planned activities include media campaigns to spread awareness about the Beijing Declaration and the different forms of violence against women, as well as community outreach programs to empower local populations with knowledge about their rights, available resources and reporting mechanisms. Sensitization programs will be conducted in schools and universities, focusing on promoting respect, consent and healthy relationships among young people. A float parade, featuring participants dressed in themed attire and carrying banners will be held to showcase messages of solidarity against gender-based violence.
During the Press Conference, Dr. Isata Mahoi the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs addressed the ongoing challenge of sexual and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone. She underscored the persistence of violence, including sexual violence and domestic abuse, which often leads to fatalities. Citing specific cases, the Minister highlighted the severity of the issue and called for urgent action.
She emphasized the need for a collective response to address this crisis, involving partners, parents and communities. She acknowledged that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, young boys and men also suffer from domestic and sexual violence. The Ministry, she explained, is working with the Judiciary and Police to ensure justice for survivors and is committed to strengthening legal frameworks and support systems.
The Minister also spoke about ongoing legislative efforts, including the review of the Child Rights Act and amendments to the 2019 Sexual Offenses Act, aimed at closing legal gaps. In addition, she stressed the importance of enforcing laws to prohibit child marriage and protect children from abuse.
Dr. Isata Mahoi also discussed the Ministry’s efforts to develop and implement strategies that align with the third generation of the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. She called for greater collaboration among national and international partners, particularly in the context of the forthcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.
The Minister also noted the urgent need for the passage of the Child Rights Bill, which seeks to protect children from abuse, including cyberbullying and trafficking. The bill, which is expected to be passed by December 2024, will help safeguard children under the age of 18. She urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the bill’s passage and to create a safe environment for children in Sierra Leone.
Usu Mallya, Senior Advisor Policy and Strategic Planning Officer at UN Women, also spoke at the Press Conference, emphasizing the global significance of the 16 Days of Activism. With the theme: “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” she reflected on the impact of the Beijing Declaration and the continued prevalence of gender-based violence worldwide. She highlighted alarming statistics, such as one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence and noted that Sub-Saharan Africa, including Sierra Leone, has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence.
The UN Women Senior Advisor Policy and Strategic Planning Officer urged Governments, organizations and communities to revisit their commitments to addressing gender-based violence and to strengthen efforts to tackle systemic inequalities and harmful social norms. She stressed the importance of equitable laws, collaboration with international partners and the active involvement of communities in promoting gender equality and ensuring the safety and well-being of women and girls.
Through this initiative, the Ministry aims to build a safer and more inclusive environment for women and children, with a focus on strengthening support systems for survivors and eliminating the root causes of violence. The campaign is expected to significantly contribute to the ongoing fight to end gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.
