By: Aminata Sesay
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over 14 motorbikes and stationery to the Sierra Leone Police to strengthen the operations of Family Support Units (FSUs) in hard-to-reach communities.
The handover was held at the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters in Kingtom, where UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah formally presented the items to the Inspector General of Police.
The 14 motorbikes will support FSU operations across nine chiefdoms in Falaba, Moyamba and Kailahun districts, particularly in the investigation and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.
According to UNDP, the mobility support will enable police officers to reach remote communities more easily, respond more effectively to SGBV cases and strengthen referrals for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The support was provided through the Spotlight Initiative, a global partnership aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls.
The intervention is expected to enhance the capacity of Family Support Units to reach affected communities, improve case management and strengthen coordination and access to essential services for survivors.