By: Saidu Jalloh
SEND-Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe Sierra Leone and with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has launched a training program for service providers focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), survivor-centered response strategies, and coordination mechanisms.
The training is being conducted under the BRAVE Project Building Respect and Anti-Violence Education for Women and Girls in Tertiary Institutions—and brings together key stakeholders, including government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), peer educators, civil society organizations, and frontline service providers. The aim is to strengthen survivor-centered approaches and enhance multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Facilitators led participants through critical topics such as gender roles and societal attitudes, the distinction between sex and gender, power dynamics in relationships and institutions, GBV risks facing adolescents, including early marriage and exploitation
Participants also engaged in interactive sessions, including role plays, group discussions, and case studies, which equipped them with practical skills in psychological First Aid, confidential and ethical service delivery, upholding principles of respect, dignity, and non-discrimination
A key component of the training was the introduction of the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS), which supports ethical and secure data collection, management, and reporting. The system enhances coordination among agencies and ensures that survivor data is handled with the highest standards of confidentiality and care.
Organizers emphasized that this initiative is part of broader national efforts to build safer, more inclusive environments for women and girls throughout Sierra Leone. The BRAVE Project specifically targets tertiary institutions, aiming to reduce tolerance for violence and foster a culture of respect and gender equality.