By Ibrahim Sesay
Caritas Freetown, with support from Manos Unidas, has concluded a two-day training on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) aimed at improving community understanding and strengthening sensitization efforts.
The session, which ran from 8-9 December at the Twin Hall in Hastings, brought together members of community forum groups drawn from Western Area Rural communities, including Makanba, Newton (Tommy Brown), Maintakeh, Bolima, Makombay, Banga Ground, Makimba and others.
Presenting an overview of the project, Project Manager, Lucky Bah, explained that the initiative was developed in response to the growing reports of rape, early marriage and teenage pregnancy across several communities. He said one of the main objectives is to influence behavioral change and shift community attitudes surrounding gender-based violence.
Lucky Bah also highlighted that the project’s focus is on improving access to justice for survivors. He noted that financial challenges often prevent victims or their guardians from following up on cases under investigation. To address that, according to him, Caritas will provide financial support to those pursuing justice.
“Another goal is to build resilience among survivors,” he added, noting that twenty women will receive vocational skills training as part of the project. He further encouraged participants to carry the message back to their communities. “We expect you to lead sensitization efforts at least once a month. We will be doing follow-ups to assess the impact,” he said.
The training covered key topics such as understanding gender-based violence, referral pathways, gender laws, community sensitization techniques and the roles of nature club members in prevention efforts.
Speaking briefly, Acting Programmes Manager, Eliza Sillah, urged couples to cultivate respect and mutual understanding, noting that those are essential in preventing gender-based violence. “Respect must come from both sides. It becomes visible when a man and woman find common ground,” she said. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained and continue sensitization within their households and communities.
For many attendees, the training provided valuable new insights. John Paul Kargbo from the 3-Mile Nyandehun community said the sessions helped him recognize behaviours he previously did not know amounted to GBV. “This training has shaped my perception,” he said. “As a teacher, I will start sensitizing my pupils and their parents. If Caritas provides megaphones, I will also extend the message across my community.”
He called on authorities responsible for enforcing GBV laws to avoid compromise and ensure equal punishment for all perpetrators, regardless of their status.
Another participant, Isha Salamatu Turay, from Newton, said her understanding of GBV expanded beyond sexual and physical abuse. “I learned that psychological and economic abuse are also forms of GBV,” she noted.
Isha Salamatu Turay added that some of the most common cases in her community include inappropriate advances from men, as well as physical and sexual assault. “This training has also taught me that married women can be raped and married men can be victims too,” she said.
The training ended with renewed enthusiasm as participants prepare to take the lead in promoting awareness and prevention of SGBV in their respective communities.
