BY: MOHAMED SAHR
UN Women Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Nigerian women, religious, and traditional leaders, organized a two-day consultation meeting to address violence against women and girls, held on April 22nd, 2024, at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown. The event was generously funded by the Ford Foundation.
During the meeting, Madam Ella Syl-Macfoy, Programme Specialist for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in legal and policy frameworks aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls. She cited various laws, including the Gender Justice Acts, the Amended Sexual Offenses Act, the Child Rights Act, the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act, and the Customary Land Rights Act. Additionally, she emphasized the role of support services such as the Family Support Unit and Rainbo Centres in providing comprehensive care for survivors.
However, despite these advancements, challenges persist. Madam Syl-Macfoy noted alarming statistics, including 62% of women aged 15 to 49 reporting experiencing physical and sexual violence, and 83% of women undergoing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Other challenges include underreporting, weak legal enforcement, cultural norms, and limited access to services, especially in remote areas.
The consultation highlighted the crucial role of religious and traditional leaders in addressing gender-based violence. These leaders committed to leveraging their influence to promote gender equality, raise awareness, and support survivors. They pledged to use religious and cultural spaces as platforms for education and advocacy, encouraging communities to recognize and report incidents of violence.
Furthermore, the leaders emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls with knowledge about their rights, enabling them to break the silence surrounding abuse. They acknowledged the stigma and fear of judgement that often prevent victims from seeking help and committed to creating a supportive environment where survivors are believed and supported.
In collaboration with UN Women and other stakeholders, the religious and traditional leaders vowed to establish community-based initiatives, including bye-laws, to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls. They affirmed their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and advocating for justice and healing within their communities.
