By: Abu H. Kargbo
The SEND Sierra Leone has strengthened its campaign against gender-based violence (GBV) through a post-International Women’s Day dialogue event held in Makeni.
Members of Women of Progress, alongside community leaders, students, and university administrators, demonstrated their commitment to the cause through a brief but strategic march aimed at raising awareness about gender equality and the fight against violence against women and girls.
The march began at Congo Town Junction, proceeded through IDA Quarters, and concluded at the Garden of Peace at the Pastoral Centre.
The post-celebration event, held on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, also featured a panel discussion involving key advocates and stakeholders. Panelists included Lovetta Iye Turay, Marion I. Bangura, and Jestina Juana-Jalloh. The session was moderated by Jalikatu Jalloh.
In her opening remarks, Jalikatu Jalloh highlighted the significance of March as International Women’s Month, emphasizing the importance of recognising women’s contributions beyond traditional caregiving roles.
“Our contributions to socio-economic and national development are immeasurable,” she stressed.
Jestina Juana-Jalloh, Gender Officer at SEND Sierra Leone, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the occasion also provides an opportunity to intensify the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. “Let there be no room for compromise report any form of violence to the appropriate authorities,” she urged.
Lovetta Iye Turay, Councillor at the Makeni City Council, commended the interventions of SEND Sierra Leone in addressing violence at the community level through the Building Respect Anti-Violence Education (BRAVE) project.
“This project has empowered grassroots women and students to become rights champions,” she said.
Marion I. Bangura, Chairperson of Women of Progress, also praised the dialogue session that followed the march, describing it as both insightful and inspiring.
“We will convene a special meeting for our general membership to share the knowledge gained,” Bangura pledged.
Another participant, Elizabeth Momodu Baraka, commended the initiative and encouraged women and girls to build confidence and challenge long-standing barriers and marginalization.
“Lack of self-confidence among women has been one of the greatest forms of marginalization in recent years,” she noted.
The initiative by SEND Sierra Leone to amplify the gender-based violence campaign during the post–International Women’s Day dialogue is both strategic and timely. This is particularly significant following concerns raised in the Amnesty International 2025 report, which highlighted increasing cases of gender-based violence in the country.
“The rights of women and girls continued to be violated, although legislation outlawing child marriage was passed,” the report noted.
Organizers say the engagement reinforces the need for continued advocacy, community awareness, and collective action to ensure the protection of women’s and girls’ rights across Sierra Leone.