By: Mohamed Sahr
In a decisive move to tackle violence against women and girls nationwide, the Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the United Nations and European Union, has launched the €15 million Spotlight Initiative 2.0 under the theme “One Voice, One Vision. Ending Gender-Based Violence Starts Now.”
The initiative was officially unveiled on July 9, 2025, at the New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown, marking a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV).
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh expressed pride in the collaborative effort that led to Sierra Leone’s inclusion in the second phase of the Spotlight Initiative. He highlighted that following the EU’s announcement of Sierra Leone’s eligibility, the government coordinated a series of consultations involving the UN system, EU, government ministries, private sector, civil society, and development partners.
“These engagements culminated in the development of the Spotlight Initiative document, which was subsequently approved by the European Union,” said Dr. Sengeh. He extended gratitude to the UN Resident Coordinator, and representatives from UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, and the Rainbo Initiative for their technical guidance and oversight.
Dr. Sengeh affirmed that the initiative will support the implementation of his core mandate as Minister responsible for women and children, adding, “As a nation, we have made significant progress from legislative to operational measures. We have strengthened the Sexual Offences Act, established One-Stop Centres, the 116 hotline, safe homes, and the Sexual Offences Model Court.”
He also acknowledged the vital work of Rainbo Centres and emphasized that strengthened coordination and referral pathways have helped build survivors’ trust in available services. “More survivors are now confident to report abuse because they believe in the support systems in place,” he said.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana described the initiative as more than a program calling it “a transformative partnership with one clear and powerful goal: to end violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone.”
She commended Sierra Leone’s progress, including the enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the strengthening of the Sexual Offences Act. However, she underscored the ongoing challenges.
“Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations. Globally, nearly 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” she noted. “In Sierra Leone, the numbers are alarming. According to the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), approximately 61% of girls and women aged 15 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.”
Wakana stressed the urgency of tackling intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage. “This issue is deeply rooted in social norms and worsened by economic and social inequalities,” she added.
She assured that the Spotlight Initiative will address the root causes of violence and provide a supportive framework for survivors. “This is the largest global investment in ending violence against women and girls,” she said.
Daniel Kettor, Executive Director of Rainbo Initiative, painted a sobering picture of the current situation: “Across Sierra Leone, 62% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence. In 2024 alone, we recorded over 3,000 cases across the seven Rainbo Centres.”
He stressed that the survivors are not just statistics. “They are our daughters, mothers, sisters, and wives. They come to us wounded but not defeated, seeking care, comfort, and hope,” he said. “Survivors often face stigma instead of support, and silence instead of justice. Particularly in rural areas, they’re pressured into informal settlements and discouraged from seeking justice.”
For over two decades, Rainbo has provided free medical, psychosocial, and legal support to GBV survivors. Kettor expressed gratitude to the government and development partners for their continued support.
Bilkish Kabia, a survivor of gender-based violence, shared her powerful personal story. Once a hopeful candidate for Head Girl at her school, she recounted how her trust in a male classmate led to a traumatic experience of sexual assault.
“I accepted his invitation to help with my campaign manifesto, only to be betrayed and sexually assaulted in his home. It shattered me emotionally and strained my relationship with my mother, who had always been my protector,” she said.
Bilkish described how stigma and whispers at school made it unbearable to continue attending. However, with support from Rainbo, she was able to recover and rebuild her life.
“Today, I serve as an Outreach Intern, leading community efforts to raise awareness about gender-based violence. I’m also a proud member of the Survivor Solidarity Movement at Rainbo Initiative a survivor-led platform that empowers us to support one another and advocate for change,” she said. “I share my story not out of pain, but from a place of resilience and courage to reach those silenced by fear.”
The launch of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 reinforces Sierra Leone’s dedication to eradicating gender-based violence through a comprehensive, multi-sectorial approach. With strong partnerships between the government, international organizations, and local stakeholders like Rainbo Initiative, the country is taking bold strides toward a future where women and girls can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination.
