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The Rainbo Initiative has on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025, officially launched its 2024 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) data, annual report, and an innovative online dashboard aimed at improving record tracking and accessibility.
The event took place at Brookfields Hotel, gathering key stakeholders from government ministries, development partners, and civil society organizations.
The ceremony included notable figures such as Mr. Daniel Kettor, Director of the Rainbo Initiative; Mr. Anthony Sam, Technical Advisor; Mr. Bob Lamin, Communications and Advocacy Manager; Mr. Charles Vandi, Deputy Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs; Ms. Erica Philip from Irish Aid; and Mrs. Flounce Taylor-Toung, a representative from the Ministry of Justice.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Anthony Sam expressed gratitude to the guests and underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts in addressing SGBV issues, stating that he fight against sexual and gender-based violence requires the input of all stakeholders.
During the keynote address, Mr. Daniel Kettor highlighted the Rainbo Initiative’s achievements in combating SGBV across Sierra Leone. He revealed that 70% of the organization’s workforce comprises women, emphasizing their commitment to providing medical and psychosocial support to survivors, particularly within educational institutions.
Mrs. Flounce Taylor-Toung, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to enhancing justice systems to ensure accountability for perpetrators. She detailed ongoing collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police to improve case management, aiming to secure justice for survivors.
Ms. Erica Philip, representing Irish Aid, commended the efforts of the Rainbo Initiative in supporting survivors and conveyed Irish Aid’s ongoing commitment to combating SGBV in partnership with the government and other stakeholders.
The event concluded with Mr. Charles Vandi officially launching the 2024 SGBV data, annual report, and online dashboard. He noted that the data encompasses incidents from January to December 2024, while the dashboard will offer a real-time overview of cases reported at Rainbo Centres located in the organization’s seven operational districts.
Mr. Vandi also announced that the Government of Sierra Leone has initiated the implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS) in three districts, with plans for a nationwide rollout to create a comprehensive picture of GBV incidents throughout the country.
The launched event wrapped up with a group photograph and informal networking opportunities among stakeholders, further fostering collaboration in the ongoing fight against SGBV in Sierra Leone.
