By Saidu Jalloh
In a proactive move to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV), Minister Isata Mahoi has spearheaded a groundbreaking regional conference in Freetown. The conference convened leaders from traditional, cultural, and faith backgrounds to forge a united front against this pressing societal concern.
Hosted at the Atlantic Hotel on Lumley Beach, the conference showcased Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to eradicating GBV through strengthened legal frameworks and policy initiatives. Minister Mahoi underscored the nation’s adherence to international treaties such as CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, emphasizing the successful implementation of key legislation like the amended Sexual Offences Act of 2012 and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022.Minister Mahoi highlighted operational successes, including the establishment of One Stop Centres in seven districts offering comprehensive, free services to GBV survivors. Additionally, she noted the creation of a 116 toll-free line for incident reporting. The conference placed particular emphasis on the vital role that traditional and faith leaders can play in shifting cultural norms and enhancing the impact of policies on the ground.
“Our focus is on eradicating the deep-seated issue of gender-based violence by leveraging the strength and influence of every sector of our society,” Minister Mahoi
affirmed. “This conference is a cornerstone in laying down a definitive, accountable path to protect women and girls in our community from violence.”
This event marks a significant stride in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts, led by Minister Mahoi, to mobilize a multisectoral response aimed at securing a safer, more equitable future for its citizens.
