The Sierra Leone Red Cross on the 14th -15th February 2024 ended a dialogue session on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and financial inclusion in 12 communities located in the Western Area district of Freetown.

The 12 communities include six in the Western Rural area (Mammah Beah, Tombo, Fullah Town, Kissi Town, Rokel, and Old Wharf) and six in the Urban area (Culvert, Susan’s Bay, Kroo Bay, Aberdeen, Kaningo, and Goderich).

It was noted that each community selected 30 participants, including females and males, from various groups such as Agents of Change, Women’s Savings and Loan Association, and other community members.

The dialogues aimed to encourage community advocacy on gender-based violence while engaging both men and women in productive discussions that promote nonviolent and healthy life choices for families and communities.

This came as part of their Integrated Resilience Program that seeks to help communities and individuals with communities to understand the effect of SGBVs and their prevention.

The dialogue sessions were to create a safe environment for conversation and open discussions, raise awareness about the pressing issue of SGBV, and engage both men and women in the conversation on who controls resources in the home, which may be constructive.

The participants were encouraged to share their experiences, concerns, and perspectives on gender-based violence (SGBV) and suggest actions that could be taken by key stakeholders to combat it.