Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has urged men and institutions across Sierra Leone to play a more active role in preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), stressing that the fight cannot rest on women alone.
Speaking at a strategic meeting on the proposed 1,000-Man Conference, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to develop actionable strategies to sustain national awareness and accelerate efforts to prevent SGBV in homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. He emphasized that the conference seeks to translate existing policies and national strategies into practical actions to reduce gender-based violence nationwide.
“We must mitigate and prevent SGBV and ensure that attention given to it continues to drive the numbers down. We cannot leave this fight to women alone when gender-based violence cuts across society,” Dr. Sengeh said.
The meeting also highlighted the work of the Presidential Adviser on Gender, Madam Isata Jabbie Kabbah, who has been coordinating with stakeholders to ensure a strategic and inclusive approach toward eliminating SGBV.
During the session, the Deputy Director of Gender at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Bamie, presented the 1,000-Man Conference Proposal, which seeks to mobilize men and boys as allies, advocates, and champions in preventing gender-based violence. The initiative will bring together traditional and religious leaders, policymakers, youth representatives, transport unions, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and media practitioners to foster accountability, challenge harmful norms, and promote positive masculinity.
The initiative is expected to secure a national pledge from at least 1,000 men to actively speak out against SGBV, strengthen community leadership on prevention, and establish a sustainable framework for continued male engagement. The conference also aligns with the government’s Big Five Game Changers, particularly in advancing human capital development, gender equality, and safer communities.
Development partners and civil society organizations, including UN Women, UNFPA, Rainbow Initiatives, and other stakeholders, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and strengthening collective efforts to eliminate SGBV in Sierra Leone.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the meeting would result in firm commitments to guide the work of a technical team tasked with implementing the initiative effectively nationwide.