Freetown, August 6, 2025 — In response to the troubling increase in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Sierra Leone, the government convened a crucial meeting with key stakeholders in Freetown. This session included representatives from various government ministries, civil society organizations, and development partners, all dedicated to addressing this critical issue.
The meeting featured prominent figures such as Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs; Madam I.J. Kabba, Gender Adviser at the Office of the President; and Daniel Kettor, Director of the Rainbo Initiative. Together, they reviewed current data trends, identified policy shortcomings, and sought to reinforce a multi-sectoral response to SGBV.
Dr. Mahoi opened the session by emphasizing the urgent challenges faced by survivors and the alarming reports surfacing nationwide. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to a coordinated, survivor-centered approach that prioritizes prevention, responsive services, and accountability.
Notably, Dr. Mahoi announced the expansion of One Stop Centers to two additional districts, increasing the total to seven facilities designed to mitigate risks and enhance access to support services. “This includes a modern One Stop Center constructed in Koinadugu by Medicos Del Mundo,” she stated. Additionally, she highlighted efforts to strengthen the 116 hotline and improve the E-Referral System, ensuring timely access to essential services for survivors.
Madam I.J. Kabba, representing the Office of the President, recognized the collaborative efforts of government officials, civil society, and development partners. She characterized the meeting as both a “call to action” and a moment for serious reflection on the growing threat SGBV poses to women and children. Kabba stressed the importance of a data-driven approach to enhance accountability and foster inter-agency collaboration.
Presenting data on SGBV cases, Daniel Kettor from the Rainbo Initiative reported a slight increase in reported incidents, rising from 2,561 in 2023 to 2,607 in 2024, marking a 1.8% increase. He noted a significant decline in physical assault cases, which fell from 201 in 2023 to 164 in 2024, representing an 18.41% decrease. Gender-disaggregated data also indicated a minor reduction in male survivor cases, from 29 in 2023 to 27 in 2024.
Ramatu Kargbo, a consultant at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, shared insights on prevention and response systems, highlighting major advancements since 2020, including the establishment of the seven One Stop Centers and the introduction of the GBVIMS+ System in May 2023. She also discussed the National Male Involvement Strategy aimed at prevention. “These frameworks are designed to comprehensively address these challenges,” she emphasized.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize urgent, coordinated, and community-based actions in the fight against SGBV. A detailed report summarizing the discussions and outlining next steps will be released soon, marking a significant milestone for Sierra Leone in tackling this pressing issue.
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