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The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has convened a high-level meeting of the National Committee for Gender-Based Violence (NaCGBV), reaffirming the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to a coordinated and strategic national response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The meeting brought together representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners involved in GBV prevention and response. Participants included Purposeful, the Ministry of Health, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the National Commission for Children, and Leh Wi Learn, among others.
In his welcome remarks, Deputy Director Harry Mahoi thanked stakeholders for their timely response and strong participation. He said sustained collaboration, accountability, and unified action are essential to effectively address GBV and protect the rights of women, girls, and children across the country.
Delivering the key presentation, Director of Planning and Policy Ibrahim Kamara explained the purpose and strategic importance of the National Committee for Gender-Based Violence.
He described the Committee as a multi-sectoral coordination platform created to streamline interventions, reduce duplication of efforts, and strengthen the Ministry’s mandate in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and child protection.
Kamara also highlighted the importance of the Service Level Agreement, noting that all partner institutions and organisations are required to formalise their collaboration with the Ministry through a Memorandum of Understanding.
According to him, the agreement ensures that partner activities are aligned with the Ministry’s strategic objectives in the fight against GBV. “Every member of this Committee has a Service Level Agreement with us,” he said, stressing the Ministry’s focus on accountability, coordination, and results-driven partnerships.
The meeting further featured a presentation by Consultant Ramatu Kargbo, who provided an overview of Gender-Based Violence, including its definitions, root causes, and long-term consequences.
She emphasised the need for a holistic and coordinated national response, adding that the establishment of the Committee is intended to complement government efforts to address GBV challenges affecting women and girls.
Participants also held detailed discussions on the validation of the Committee’s Terms of Reference, offering inputs aimed at strengthening its governance structure and operational effectiveness.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment by members to review and validate the Terms of Reference to ensure an inclusive, effective, and responsive coordination framework. Stakeholders reaffirmed their shared resolve to intensify efforts toward eliminating Gender-Based Violence and building a safer and more equitable Sierra Leone.
