Post a comment
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has officially launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing a safe and empowering environment for adolescent girls and young women.
The Girls Advocacy and Development Network Sierra Leone (GADNET-SL) unveiled the “Haven for Adolescent Girls and Young Women” at a ceremony held in Mudgefarm, Aberdeen, Freetown.
The event, attended by various dignitaries, was graced by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mohai, who highlighted the significance of the initiative.
The newly unveiled haven marks a pivotal step in addressing the social challenges faced by young women and girls in Sierra Leone, including child marriage, rape, teenage pregnancy, and other forms of psychosocial trauma.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohai praised GADNET-SL for its vision and dedication to creating a space that offers hope, healing, and empowerment to survivors of these issues.
In her keynote address, Dr. Mohai emphasized the crucial role that the haven will play in supporting vulnerable girls and young women. She described the initiative as a “beacon of hope” that will provide much-needed services, enabling these individuals to rebuild their lives and restore their dignity.
Dr. Mohai also used the opportunity to reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and girls, underlining the importance of gender equality and protection against sexual violence.
The Minister highlighted several legislative frameworks designed to protect women and girls, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022 and the Sexual Offences Act of 2019. These laws, she explained, are essential tools in the fight against gender-based violence and discrimination, and the newly established haven aligns perfectly with these objectives.
The ceremony attracted key stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the British High Commission, Care International, Save the Children, Rainbow Initiative, Action Aid, and the Legal Aid Board.
All partners pledged their continued support for the haven, acknowledging the critical role it will play in advancing the rights and well-being of young women in Sierra Leone.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Mohai expressed her gratitude to GADNET-SL and the partners involved in bringing this initiative to life. She noted that the haven not only aligns with national development goals but also supports broader global efforts, particularly those tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Mohai believes that this initiative will contribute to the country’s progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
The launch of the GADNET-SL Haven represents a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence and the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women in Sierra Leone, providing a safe and transformative space for them to thrive.
