Femme Collective has condemned the recent surge in violence against women and girls and called for justice for Sia Kamara, who was allegedly beaten to death by her boyfriend on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Femme Collective extend its condolences to the family and loved ones of Sia Kamara, and call for a swift and thorough investigation by the relevant authorities into what its describe as untimely and violent demise.

Also demanding that the perpetrator be held accountable to the full extent of the law, setting an example to dissuade others that may want to commit similar heinous acts.

According to Femme Collective, Sia’s death and other recent incidents in Sierra Leone such as the alleged abuse of Monica by her husband, are a stark reminder of the hidden epidemic of violence that women in Sierra Leone are subject to, as every woman and girl in society deserves to live free from all forms of abuse and have their human rights upheld and respected.

Femme Collective in its statement called for stronger, immediate and widespread implementation of laws and policies to protect the women and girls of Sierra Leone.

“Boys do not grow into violent men; violence is a learned behavior and a choice. It is only by increasing focus on the choices men make to use violence, and keep each and every one of them accountable for their actions that we will end the scourge of domestic violence in our country.”

Its stated that for too long the focus has been on helping women and children who are hurt by abuse, and not on stopping the men from hurting them in the first place, adding that they should remove the barriers victims and survivors face in the pursuit of justice, and send a message to men that their violent behavior is not tolerated in the society.

“We know the goal of “No Violence” cannot be achieved without working directly with men. As “Femme Collective” we stand ready to work with every man and woman to address men’s use of violence in our society.”

It was also stated that Femme Collective understand that to realize the true potential of this proposed reform, there needs to be a coordinated approach that includes public awareness raising, education campaigns, additional support for victims and survivors, training of key workforces and support for responsive services.

“May Sia’s soul Rest in Peace, and we pray that justice will be served for her painful exit out of this world. We also share our concerns for Monica Pabai, with the hope that she gets all the help she needs right now. We encourage every woman in an abusive relationship to speak up and ask for help to leave those relationships immediately.”