By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step towards ensuring justice and protection for women and girls, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Isata Mahoi, officially launched a policy brief last weekend at the Sierra Palms Hotel. The document addresses the implementation of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019, shedding light on both its successes and challenges.
Minister Mahoi expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Ireland for their support in illuminating the current status of the Sexual Offences Act 2012, which was amended in 2019. Acknowledging the achievements and hurdles outlined in the policy brief, Minister Mahoi emphasized the government’s commitment to scrutinize the findings and act upon the proposed recommendations.
Highlighting the evolution of Sierra Leone’s laws on sexual violence, Minister Mahoi stressed the need for collective responsibility in ensuring the full implementation of these provisions. Despite having some of the toughest laws on sexual violence globally, the country faces challenges in enforcement, and the Minister called for a multi-sectoral approach to enhance accountability.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey in addressing sexual gender-based violence, the Minister cited key legislative milestones and the government’s efforts to strengthen the legal and policy environment. She outlined prevention and coordination mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, and international bodies.
Addressing challenges in service provision to survivors, Minister Mahoi detailed measures taken, including the development of a National SGBV Response Strategy and the establishment of One Stop Centres in districts across the country. She highlighted the pioneering launch of the gender-based violence information management system (GBVIMS+) and the training of over 200 case workers.
The Minister expressed gratitude for the partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF, UNFPA, and NGOs like PLAN SL, World Vision, and Save the Children. She noted the government’s collaboration with the Rainbo Initiative, emphasizing the importance of information sharing and capacity enhancement.
Towards the conclusion of her address, Minister Mahoi assured the audience that the government would commit to implementing the policy recommendations. She emphasized President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to a listening government and pledged to present the policy brief to Cabinet for necessary action.
Minister Mahoi declared the official launch of the policy brief on the implementation of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019, asserting that the recommendations represent a pivotal shift toward a more just and secure society.
The Minister thanked the audience for their attention, emphasizing the challenges that lay ahead in implementing such a transformative policy. She concluded with a call for unity and investment to prevent violence against women and girls, marking a critical step forward in Sierra Leone’s commitment to a safer society.
