Community Of Practice

Empowering the Future: The Importance of Education on SGBV and Gender Justice in Schools

Introduction: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an issue that transcends borders, affecting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. Within this broad issue, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) stands out as a significant challenge, particularly in schools, where young people are forming their understanding of relationships, identity, and personal boundaries. Education on SGBV and Gender Justice plays a crucial role in preventing violence, promoting respect, and empowering students to navigate the complexities of gender relations. One such initiative is the ongoing campaign by the Community of Practice on Gender-Based Violence (COP-GBV), which reaches out to schools in Freetown to raise awareness and equip students with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and hold perpetrators accountable.

The Significance of SGBV Education:

Raising Awareness of SGBV: Many students are unaware of what constitutes Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, often not recognizing it when it happens. Through this outreach education, students were able to learn how to identify harmful behaviors and understand the physical, emotional, and legal implications of such violence. The outreach was a timely intervention as described by one of the Pricipals of the schools during his speech as he gave testimony of the various incidents of attempted Sexual Assault on female kids of the school by boys and men from the community.
Therefore SHBV education is especially important in the school environments, where peer pressure and bullying may contribute to the normalization of violence.

Promoting Gender Justice: The Community of Practice engages the pupils and students on the understanding of Gender Justice, how it works and where to seek it when the need arises.
Fatmata Fathima Kamara the Lead for the Outreach emphasizes that; Gender justice ensures that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and oppression.

The Pricipal from United Muslim Association Secondary School (UMASS) encourages the pupils on the relevant of SGBV education in school stating; “Teaching students about gender equality and justice helps to break down harmful stereotypes and fosters a more respectful and inclusive school culture.”

Gorge Williams Morris another member of COP also emphasizes the relevance of SGBV and Gender Justice awareness to the girl child; “When young people learn about equality, they are more likely to challenge harmful behaviors and contribute to creating safe spaces for all.”

Building Confidence to Seek Help: Many students who experience SGBV may feel isolated, powerless, or unsure of where to turn for support said a student from Government Secondary School .

The outreach initiative at Kroobay Community School, Temple of Faith of Dwazack, Evan’s International High School of Calabatown, Government Secondary School of Kingston, United Muslim Association Secondary School of Hill Side Byepass and All Nations Secondary School of Kamayama, Lumley, provides vital information about resources and support systems. By informing students about local organizations, helplines, and legal avenues available to them, Margerett and Santos highlights the laws and resources available for accessing justice and support for victims of GBV.

The Education Empowers Students To Seek Help And Take Action When Necessary.

Understanding the Law and Accountability: An essential component of SGBV education is informing students about the legal frameworks designed to protect them Mr. Pratt and Mr. Samuel Borbor provided insights on the available laws like the GEWE Act of 2022, the Child Rights Act of 2007 which is undergoing a repeal and structures aiding the fight against GBV on women and girls.
By understanding their rights and the laws in place to address gender-based violence, students become more informed and have the voice to advocates for justice when the need arises . The education also encourages students to hold perpetrators accountable, either through reporting incidents or supporting peers who may need assistance.

Fostering a Supportive School Environment: The Outreach team also engages teachers alongside students, the initiative was able to strengthens the entire school community’s capacity to address SGBV. Teachers are often the first point of contact for students experiencing abuse, and they can play a critical role in responding effectively and providing support.

However the principals of these schools appeals to the Community for continued opportunities and support towards the training and awareness-building for teachers and other administrators to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and resources to intervene and support students appropriately.

The Role of the COP-GBV and School Outreach Programs: The partnership between COP-GBV and local schools is essential in transforming the dialogue around SGBV and gender justice. Through collaborations with different organizations, the outreach initiative brought together experts, speakers, and activists who are committed to creating safe and supportive environments for students. These speakers have shared valuable insights on how students can identify, report, and prevent SGBV, while also discussing broader issues of gender justice, equality, and empowerment.

Importantly, the involvement of students and teachers in the conversations during the outreach ensures that these discussions are relevant and impactful. It fosters an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their experiences, and taking an active role in promoting positive change.

Conclusion: The outreach programs carried out in schools like Kroobay Community School, Temple of Faith, Evan’s International High School, Government Secondary School , UMASS, and All Nations represent a vital step toward building a future free from gender-based violence. By equipping young people with the knowledge to recognize and respond to SGBV, teaching them about gender justice, and showing them how to access help, these initiatives are laying the groundwork for a safer, more inclusive society.

It is essential that we continue to prioritize SGBV education in schools, ensuring that students are not only aware of their rights but are also empowered to become advocates for justice and change in their communities. With continued support from organizations, teachers, and students alike, we can make a lasting impact in the fight against gender-based violence.

Call to Action: Let us continue to support and expand these educational programs, ensuring that every student, in every school, has the tools and knowledge to protect themselves, support others, and contribute to a world where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated.

Supported by: Rainbo Initiative Sierra Leone

Making it normal when it is not, is what we want to eradicate in our society. The violation of women and girls fundamental Human Right is a criminal offense and should be handle with high level of seriousness. COP and it partners walking in the streets of Freetown to, side by side moving in solidarity with GBV Victims is a fulfillment to our commitment of creating a safe space, free from all forms of violence against women and girls.

We are a united force of oRainbo Initiativeions working together to fight this cause, Gender Based Violence on Women and Girls must stop ✋

Courtesy of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs

Day 9 of 16Days of Activism

With support from Plan International Sierra Leone, the Community of Practice on Gender-Based Violence (COP-GBV) hosted a follow-up TV discussion on their recently concluded National Stakeholders Dialogue on Gender Justice and Accountability. The program aired on SLBC TV in Freetown from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Moderated by Fatmata Fathima Kamara, Executive Director of Thimzy Empowerment Initiatives, the discussion featured key speakers, including Mr. Samuel Byrne, Chairperson of COP, and the Director of Gender at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of the dialogue and discuss ongoing efforts toward gender justice and accountability in Sierra Leone.

We are committed to promoting and raising awareness on Gender Justice and Accountability for a safer and dignified society to make Sierra Leone a better place live.

George Williams Morris made his commitment on behalf of Community Of Practice and it members that " we would continue to fight harder to ensure a gender friendly 💪 and equitable society for all"

We are COP on GBV

COP MEDIA LEAD 2024
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED-VIOLENCE

The Community Of Practice honours an invitation to participate in an outreach and stakeholders engagement from BARAC Sierra Leone. @⁨George Williams Morris⁩ and Santos kamara where their to ensure that COP continues to compliment the efforts of their members to eliminate all forms of Gender-Based Violence in Society.

As we clock 30+ towards the Beijing declaration, towards the 16 days of activism as period of activism to raise awareness around SGBV,GBV,FGM and others.

We are Community Of Practice committed towards ending gender-based violence Sierra Leone.

Day 9 of the 16 Days of Activism at COP-GBV will feature a Television Discussion on Gender Justice and Accountability

Join us for an engaging and informative discussion on Gender Justice and Accountability on Thursday, 5th December 2024, from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM on SLBC TV.

Our expert panel will delve into critical issues surrounding gender equality, justice, and accountability, providing valuable insights and perspectives.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an educative and empowering conversation.

Please share widely and join us as we continue to raise awareness and take action against gender-based violence.

REFLECTIONS ON THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON GENDER JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Key Outcomes and Actions for the Community of Practice

On November 26, 2024, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), in collaboration with the Community of Practice (COP), held a pivotal dialogue on Gender Justice and Accountability in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event provided a critical space for key stakeholders to come together and discuss the systemic injustices tied to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and propose actionable steps for reform. As the Community of Practice, a coalition of organizations dedicated to addressing GBV and promoting gender justice, we recognize the significance of this dialogue in shaping the national discourse and advancing our collective efforts.

Key Takeaways from the Dialogue
The event featured a range of prominent voices from the government, civil society, law enforcement, and religious institutions. It was clear that while significant progress has been made in addressing GBV in Sierra Leone, much work remains to be done. The dialogue illuminated key areas of focus and concrete steps that can guide our shared mission moving forward.

1. Government's Commitment to Combating GBV

A central theme of the dialogue was the Ministry of Gender's continued dedication to tackling GBV. Director of Gender, Ms. Goodie Sowonie, shared significant advancements, including:

One-Stop Centers: These centers, set up in seven districts, provide essential support services for survivors of GBV, ensuring that victims have access to medical, legal, and psychosocial assistance in a single, accessible location.

116 Helpline: The launch of a nationwide helpline for reporting r**e and sexual assaults has been a game changer in providing immediate assistance and protection for survivors.

Sexual Offences Model Courts: With the establishment of model courts in Freetown and Kailahun, the Ministry aims to expedite the prosecution of sexual offenses, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and fairly.

Ms. Sowonie also emphasized the urgent need for the Child Rights Act (CRA) to be passed by Parliament, an important piece of legislation that will safeguard the rights of children, particularly in relation to sexual violence and exploitation.

2. Insights from Civil Society and Survivors’ Advocates

Daniel Kettor, Executive Director of the Rainbo Initiative, brought valuable insights into the role of civil society in tackling GBV. His organization has been instrumental in supporting survivors of r**e and sexual violence, providing comprehensive services to ensure their recovery and reintegration into society. He stressed that one of the biggest challenges facing survivors is the stigma and discrimination they often face, which only serves to silence them further. For Kettor, the solution lies in collective action and collaboration among all sectors, from law enforcement to community-based organizations, to support survivors and reduce GBV rates.

The Rainbo Initiative continues to be a leader in this fight, advocating for the creation of safer spaces and resources for survivors, while also pushing for systemic changes to prevent violence from occurring in the first place.

3. The Role of Religious Leaders in Addressing GBV

One of the more compelling moments of the dialogue came from the religious community, which expressed concern about being excluded from crucial decision-making processes related to GBV. Samuel Byrne, speaking on behalf of the Religious Council, reminded participants that religious leaders played a vital role in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding efforts during and after the civil war. Given their moral authority and significant influence in communities, Byrne emphasized the need for religious institutions to be more actively involved in shaping policies and actions against GBV.

The dialogue highlighted the importance of inclusive decision-making, with a call for all sectors of society, including religious institutions, to be better integrated into the ongoing national conversation about GBV.

4. Strengthening Law Enforcement’s Response

The Deputy Inspector General of Police underscored the crucial role law enforcement plays in responding to GBV. He spoke about the police’s efforts to improve their capacity to handle sensitive cases such as r**e and sexual violence, including specialized training for officers. A key takeaway here is the need for stronger coordination between the police, the Ministry of Gender, and other stakeholders to ensure that survivors receive the protection and justice they deserve.

5. The Path Forward: Accountability and Collaboration

One of the most critical outcomes of the dialogue was the renewed focus on accountability. There was widespread consensus among participants that while progress has been made, there is still a significant gap in holding perpetrators accountable. Survivors often face an uphill battle to seek justice, with many cases being dismissed or delayed in the courts.

The importance of collaborative approaches was emphasized throughout the dialogue. It was clear that no single organization or institution can address GBV on its own. The success of the initiatives discussed—whether it’s the establishment of one-stop centers, the police’s enhanced training, or the work of civil society—depends on cross-sector collaboration. All sectors, including government, law enforcement, the judiciary, civil society, and the community, must unite in their efforts to combat GBV and ensure justice for survivors.

COP’s Role in Advancing the Agenda
As members of the Community of Practice, we are committed to continuing the work that was discussed during this important dialogue. COP has always played a key role in bringing together diverse actors to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and promote joint initiatives that address the root causes of GBV. We are proud to collaborate with partners like the Ministry of Gender, Rainbo Initiative, law enforcement, and other civil society organizations in this ongoing fight.

Moving forward, COP will focus on:

Strengthening community-level interventions that support survivors and raise awareness about GBV.
Advocating for policy reforms, including the passing of the Child Rights Act and enhanced protections for women and children.
Promoting accountability mechanisms that ensure perpetrators are held responsible and survivors receive justice.
Facilitating multi-sector partnerships to create sustainable solutions to GBV.
Conclusion
The National Dialogue on Gender Justice and Accountability was a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s ongoing effort to combat GBV. The discussions were rich with insights, and the collaboration between government, civil society, law enforcement, and religious leaders underscores the collective will to create lasting change. As we reflect on the outcomes of this dialogue, the task ahead is clear: we must continue to work together, hold ourselves accountable, and push for the systemic reforms necessary to end GBV and ensure justice for all survivors.

The journey is long, but through sustained collaboration, the vision of a safer, more equitable Sierra Leone is within our reach.

During the 16 days of activism, we are committed to upholding the values of our society. Our position states some.few recommendations regarding the chill right bill.

Recommendations
1) Support for girls' autonomy and education
a) Implement community awareness programs to educate and sensitize girls and
communities on the health risks and rights associated with FGC.
b) Establish accessible, culturally sensitive counselling services for girls and their
families.
c) Strengthening child protection services, establishing child-friendly reporting
mechanisms, and promoting awareness campaigns on child rights and reporting
procedures.
d) Collaboration with civil society organizations and international partners can further
bolster efforts to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
2) Strengthening Enforcement and Legal Measures
a) Establish FGC as a prosecutable offense within the Child Rights Act with dedicated
resources for monitoring and enforcement.
b) Implement community-based monitoring to report violations while protecting
whistle-blowers.
c) Government of Sierra Leone to review and approve the National Strategy for the
reduction of FGC in Sierra Leone for implementation.
A call to Action
Advocating for children's rights, protection and responsibility is a shared responsibility that
requires a concerted effort from policymakers, child welfare organizations, and the public. By
prioritizing children's rights, protection, and well-being in legislative agendas, promoting the
effective implementation of the Child Rights Bill, and mobilizing support for initiatives that
safeguard children's well-being, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all
children. All children irrespective of status, must not be harmed, and culture and tradition must
take the lead in protecting all children. Culture and tradition must be seen as adding value to all
children of society and no person or individual must be forced into any harmful traditional
initiation.

Hello Community Members. Please join our radio discussion tomorrow at 7am to 8am in the morning. As we continue to advocate on the child right bill and our position on it during the 16 days of activism against gender-based-violence.

Tune into 104.5 FM , Culture Radio Freetown Sierra Leone, and hear from our panellist.
Supported by our development partners International Sierra Leone ,