By: Problyn J Alpha
Members of the Albinism Royal Foundation Sierra Leone have successfully concluded a three-month project in Kono District, thanks to support from Canadian funds for local initiatives. The project, titled “Say no to gender and sexual-based violence against women and girls living with albinism,” was executed in seven out of the fourteen chiefdoms within Kono District.
Ibrahim Yajah, the Secretary and Advocacy Officer of the Albinism Royal Foundation Sierra Leone, spoke to the media about the project’s culmination. He mentioned that a march, involving his colleagues and individuals from various walks of life, took place from the Koidu City clock tower to the Sahr Sessie Gbenda Hall on Bona Street in Koidu City. Participants displayed placards with different inscriptions in support of the project’s objectives.
Yajah emphasized that the three-month initiative aimed to raise awareness among communities, individuals with albinism, and stakeholders about the harmful impacts of gender and sexual-based violence against women and girls with albinism. The project covered crucial ground in seven chiefdoms, bringing attention to the dangers and consequences of this menace.
The Secretary and Advocacy Officer highlighted the project’s impact, stressing its role in generating awareness and enthusiasm among stakeholders to combat the issue. He noted that the initiative educated people on the meaning of gender and sexual-based violence, its forms, causes, effects, and the proper channels for reporting and addressing complaints.
Yajah also expressed satisfaction with the project’s outcome, stating that albinos and their parents now understand the appropriate channels to report any abuse. He urged everyone to respect and accept individuals living with albinism, emphasizing their entitlement to fundamental human rights as creations of God.