Gender Minister Mahoi Urges Stronger Action as 183,000 Violence Cases Recorded in Two Years

The Honourable Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has called for stronger implementation of laws and increased community engagement to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.

Speaking on April 21 at the Training of Trainers for the Intersectional Network under Spotlight Initiative 2.0, held at Sierra Palms in Freetown, Dr. Mahoi described the situation as urgent, citing that 62 percent of women in the country have experienced violence. She noted that more than 183,000 cases were recorded between 2023 and 2025.

Dr. Mahoi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue through legislative reforms, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022, the Child Rights Act 2025, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. However, she stressed that passing laws alone is not enough.

“While laws are in place, stronger implementation, awareness, and community engagement remain critical, especially for marginalized groups,” she said.

The Minister highlighted that the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, funded by the European Union and the United Nations with €15 million, will run until 2029 and cover all 16 districts in Sierra Leone. The programme focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, preventing violence, supporting survivors, and empowering grassroots organisations.

A key component of the initiative is the launch of the Intersectional Network, which aims to support women facing multiple forms of discrimination, including women with disabilities, women living with HIV, informal sector workers, and sex workers.

Dr. Mahoi urged Master Trainers participating in the programme to take the knowledge gained and share it across the country, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches in tackling gender-based violence.

“You are not just training people, you are rewriting the social contract to be radically inclusive,” she said. The training is part of broader national efforts to reduce violence against women and girls and ensure that no one is left behind.