By Gibao Brima

The issue of Gender Based Violence still remains to be a critical  issue in Koya, Port Loko District North-West Region of Sierra Leone.

To a large extent many men are not aware of what gender based violence and the effects it has on society.

Most men in the villages in Koya in Port Loko are in the habit of committing various  gender based violence. These issues can be physical, phycological, economic against women.

This is simply because there is not much sensitisation among the men in Port Loko.

That is why so many men particularly in Koya believe in the wrong ideology that women have no rights and that women’s voice should not be heard.

Talking to Africa 24, Mr Abdulai Conteh who is a  community advocate at mile 36 said many men in Koya villages and towns are not knowledgeable on issues of gender based violence.

And because of poverty the women continue to suffer in silence as they can report to police when targeted by men.

Many feel that by reporting to the police for actions to be taken against their husbands they will loose their marriages.

Mr Conteh said officers at Mile 38  and Masi aka police station sometimes make it difficult for victims to their reports them over violence committed against them. Dilating further Mr Conteh said the Mile 38 Police Station don’t have enough personnel strength to cover their areas of responsibilities which is another reason for GBV perpetrators to have a field day.

Mr Conteh appealed to the police hierarchy to help add up more personnel in order to strength the Family Support Units that deal with gender based violence and related issues at mile 38 and Masiaka police Station.

He further said the sensitisation message should also be reached out to schools, mosques and churches.

And by so doing, “we may be able to fight GBV in Koya,” Mr Conteh added .