By Ibrahim Kabba Turay

In a bold move to eliminate violence against women and girls across Sierra Leone, the Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the United Nations and the European Union, has launched the second phase of the Spotlight Initiative, valued at €15 million. Themed “One Voice, One Vision. Ending Gender-Based Violence Starts Now,” the initiative was officially unveiled at the New Brookfield Hotel in Freetown.

The launch marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence (GBV), reinforcing the country’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh hailed the initiative as a testament to strong national and international collaboration. He noted that Sierra Leone’s inclusion in Spotlight Initiative 2.0 followed rigorous consultations among the UN, EU, government ministries, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

“These engagements culminated in the development of the Spotlight Initiative framework, which received final approval from the European Union,” Dr. Sengeh stated. He extended appreciation to the UN Resident Coordinator and representatives from UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, and the Rainbo Initiative for their critical technical guidance.

Dr. Sengeh highlighted the government’s achievements in the fight against GBV, including the strengthening of the Sexual Offences Act, the establishment of One-Stop Centres, the 116 GBV Hotline, safe homes, and a Sexual Offences Model Court. “We are seeing results. Survivors now have greater trust in the support systems, and more are stepping forward to seek justice,” he affirmed.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana described the initiative as “a transformative partnership with one powerful goal: to end violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone.”

While commending the country’s progress such as the enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act Wakana emphasized the urgent need to address persistent challenges.

“Globally, 1 in 3 women face physical or sexual violence. In Sierra Leone, about 61% of women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced such violence,” she stated, citing the latest Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).

She also spotlighted harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, as urgent issues to confront. “These practices are deeply embedded in societal norms and exacerbated by economic and social inequality,” she added.

Daniel Kettor, Executive Director of the Rainbo Initiative, painted a sobering picture of the realities on the ground. “In 2024 alone, we recorded over 3,000 GBV cases at our seven centres across the country. These are not just statistics—they are our daughters, sisters, and mothers,” he said.

Kettor stressed the importance of support systems for survivors, particularly in rural areas where stigma and informal settlements often replace justice.

He acknowledged the government and partners for backing Rainbo’s two-decade-long efforts in delivering free medical, psychosocial, and legal support to

One of the most moving moments of the event came from Bilkish Kabia, a survivor of sexual violence. Once a promising Head Girl candidate at her school, Bilkish bravely shared how a trusted classmate betrayed her.

“I accepted his help with my manifesto, only to be assaulted in his home. That day changed everything—my education, my relationship with my mother, and my sense of self,” she recalled.

Facing stigma and whispers from peers, Bilkish withdrew from school but found hope and healing through the Rainbo Initiative. Today, she works as an Outreach Intern, leading community education and awareness campaigns.

“I share my story not out of pain, but from a place of resilience and hope. I want to empower others who are afraid to speak out,” she said. As a proud member of the Survivor Solidarity Movement, Bilkish is part of a growing, survivor-led effort to challenge silence and drive change.

The launch of Spotlight Initiative 2.0 solidifies Sierra Leone’s pledge to eradicate gender-based violence through a comprehensive, multisectoral strategy. With the combined strength of government leadership, international backing, and local activism, the country is paving the way for a future where every woman and girl can live free from violence, fear, and fair.