Freetown, Sierra Leone Monday 8th September 2025
Amnesty International Sierra Leone (AISL) has convened a diverse group of key stakeholders in a major consultative meeting aimed at strengthening collective action and coordination in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across Sierra Leone. The gathering, held at the Human Rights Action Centre in Freetown, brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, local councils, community-based organizations, the media, teachers, health workers, youth, and women’s groups.
The meeting served as a platform to deepen dialogue, share experiences, and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing the growing prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence affecting women, girls, and other vulnerable groups in the country.
In his opening remarks, the Country Director of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, emphasized that GBV remains one of the most serious human rights violations facing Sierra Leone today, undermining the dignity, safety, and potential of countless women and girls. He reiterated Amnesty International’s unwavering commitment to supporting survivors, advocating for justice, and promoting the protection and empowerment of all citizens, regardless of gender.
“Ending GBV requires collective action and shared responsibility,” he stated. “Every stakeholder from community leaders to policymakers has a vital role to play in building safer spaces for women and girls, and in holding perpetrators accountable.”
Solomon Moses Sogbandi
Participants discussed the root causes of GBV, including entrenched gender inequality, cultural norms, poverty, and weak enforcement of existing laws. The discussions also highlighted the challenges survivors face in accessing justice, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment opportunities.
Stakeholders expressed strong commitment to work collaboratively to prevent, report, and respond to GBV through coordinated community actions, awareness-raising, advocacy, and the promotion of gender-sensitive policies. They also emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building, data collection, and community engagement to sustain progress and accountability.
One participant, a community leader from Kenema District, noted: “This platform helps us understand that combating GBV is not just a women’s issue — it’s a community issue. We must all stand together to protect the rights and dignity of every individual.”
Feika Francis Abdulai
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to enhance coordination, improve referral mechanisms, and strengthen partnerships aimed at eliminating all forms of gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.
Amnesty International Sierra Leone reaffirmed its continued commitment to working with government agencies, civil society partners, and grassroots organizations to promote a human rights-based approach in ending GBV, ensuring survivors’ voices are heard, and fostering inclusive and safe communities for all.
About Amnesty International Sierra Leone
Amnesty International Sierra Leone is a human rights organization dedicated to promoting justice, equality, and human dignity. Through advocacy, research, and community empowerment, AISL works to end human rights abuses, including gender-based violence, and to ensure that every individual enjoys their fundamental rights and freedoms without discrimination