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The Mano River Women Peace Network (MARWOPNET), with support from Irish Aid in partnership with UN Women, has organised a one-day training workshop on the dissemination of research findings on reporting mechanisms for the protection of cross-border women traders from sexual exploitation and abuse.
The training, held on August 27, 2026, in Jendema Town, Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, was conducted under the project, “Enhancing Women’s Protection and Inclusion in Peacebuilding Processes in Sierra Leone”
The workshop brought together key border and security personnel, including representatives from the Office of National Security (ONS), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Sierra Leone Immigration, National Revenue Authority (NRA), Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the training, MARWOPNET Project Coordinator John Augustine Lahai said the organisation conducted research in February 2025 across four districts and 25 chiefdoms to better understand the challenges faced by women engaged in cross-border trade.
According to Lahai, the research engaged more than 700 women involved in cross-border trading, approximately 25 focus group discussions, and several border personnel.
He said the research sought to identify the major issues and challenges faced by women during cross-border trading, as well as the reporting mechanisms available for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse and other forms of violations.
“We are now in Gendema to share these findings with border personnel so that they can better understand the challenges faced by cross-border women traders and the mechanisms available for reporting violations,” Lahai said. He noted that similar dissemination and training have been organised for border personnel in the Kambia district and for cross-border women traders in both Kambia and kailahun districts.
The Project Coordinator said that MARWOPNET operates mainly in border districts across Sierra Leone and continues to advocate for the protection, inclusion, and empowerment of women, particularly those engaged in cross-border trade.
He encouraged border personnel to remain professional in carrying out their duties and avoid all forms of violations against women traders. He also encouraged cross-border women traders to ensure they possess all the essential documents required for legitimate cross-border trading.
Also speaking, the Director of Gender Affairs at the Office of National Security, Sia Wango Alhassan Kabia, thanked MARWOPNET for organising the training and for involving key stakeholders in efforts to strengthen the protection of women and girls.
Kabia said the protection of women and girls is a responsibility that should be embraced by all Sierra Leoneans, noting that the safety of women involved in cross-border trade is essential to national development, economic and human security.
She stressed that security personnel have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of citizens, maintain peace and stability, and create an enabling environment for everyone.
She described the training as an important mechanism for strengthening awareness and protection, noting that the research conducted by MARWOPNET revealed a lack of awareness among some women involved in cross-border trade.
Kabia said the training would help women understand their rights while engaging in cross-border trade and would also provide border personnel with a better understanding of the laws, responsibilities, and standards governing their conduct.
She encouraged cross-border women traders not to allow any border personnel to take advantage of them and urged them to report cases of sexual exploitation, abuse, and other violations through the appropriate reporting mechanisms.
The training formed part of MARWOPNET’s continued efforts to promote women’s protection and meaningful participation in peacebuilding processes while strengthening accountability and cooperation among border authorities, women traders and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s border communities.
