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The Government of Sierra Leone has pledged to intensify its efforts in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) while accelerating initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the weekly government press briefing on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, the Presidential Adviser on Gender Affairs, Isatu Jabbie Kabba, provided an update on national progress while acknowledging the challenges that persist.
She credited President Julius Maada Bio for several policy and legislative reforms aimed at promoting gender equality and improving opportunities for women and girls.
Despite these gains, she described Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) as a continuing national concern, noting that perpetrators are often known to victims.
“SGBV is not only perpetrated by strangers. In many cases, the perpetrators are people within our communities—family members, teachers, and even religious leaders,” she said.
She further warned that the trauma associated with such abuse can have long-term social and economic consequences, affecting victims’ education, confidence, and future opportunities.
Madam Kabba concluded by stressing that while progress has been made in advancing gender equality, the fight against GBV is ongoing. She reaffirmed the goal of building a society where every girl is protected and every woman is empowered to thrive.
