By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) in collaboration with Spotlight Initiative partners and other key stakeholders has intensified efforts to strengthen coordination and improve prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Moyamba District.
The initiative, funded by UN Women through the Spotlight Initiative with support from the European Union and the United Nations in Sierra Leone, commenced with an inception meeting held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Moyamba District Council Hall.
The meeting brought together implementing partners of the Spotlight Initiative, state institutions mandated to address SGBV and community stakeholders.
In attendance were representatives of the Legal Aid Board, the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, local courts, and the Paramount Chief of Kaiyamba Chiefdom who also serves as Chairman of the Moyamba District Council of Paramount Chiefs.
The engagement provided an opportunity to assess progress made in the fight against SGBV, identify persistent challenges and develop strategies to enhance collaboration among the five Spotlight Initiative implementing partners operating in the district — Plan International, SEND Foundation, Happy Kids, Intersectional Group and Budget Advocacy Network.
Participants noted progress including increased public awareness on SGBV issues, reduction in reported cases, establishment of school clubs and peer learning initiatives, and the availability of a one-stop centre for survivors.
Despite the gains, stakeholders highlighted critical challenges undermining effective response, including weak coordination among actors, duplication of responsibilities at chiefdom level, a culture of silence, compromise of cases by local authorities, and inadequate psychosocial support and safe accommodation for survivors. Participants warned that these gaps continue to fuel recurrence of abuse.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders developed an action plan aimed at strengthening collaboration, improving coordination and ensuring an integrated approach to SGBV prevention and response across the district.
CGG’s engagement forms part of the broader Spotlight Initiative objective of strengthening stakeholder coordination and supporting a unified, women-focused movement against SGBV in its three operational districts of Moyamba, Kailahun and Falaba.
As part of its mandate, CGG will coordinate and elevate the concerns, priorities, achievements and outstanding needs of district stakeholders to the national level to ensure they are reflected in policy discussions and decision-making.
The initiative seeks to strengthen collective action among government institutions, civil society organisations and community leaders towards creating safer communities where women and girls are protected from violence and harmful practices.
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