Sierra Leone is set to host the 10th Africa Conference on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for the first time through the office of the first lady in Sierra Leone starting from the 27th June to the 1st July 2022 with the theme: “Accelerating the Elimination of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Africa.”

The conference will bring together Feminist Activists, Governments, UN agencies, development partners and civil society groups from across the continent to learn, connect and build consensus to end violence against Women and Girls.

This year’s conference is convened by the African Federation for Sexual Health and Rights, and hosted by Purposeful in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and other international collaborators.

Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Mrs. Fatima Bio has said that Sierra Leone is home to thriving Civil Society and Feminist Justice movements, working with the Government and partners to build a country that is safe and prosperous for all.

She encouraged every person that cares about ending violence against women and girls to join hands and work together to build a better world for women and girls.

She emphasized the importance of the conference noting that His Excellency the President of the republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio is a strong partner of the event and is committed to provide all the required support to ensure the success of the conference.

According to her, the UNFPA is one of the UN family in Sierra Leone that believes in the Hands Off Our Girls project.

She said women will have the opportunity to engage with global renowned speakers and leaders in the conference.

The Deputy Minister of Gender and children’s Affairs Hindowa Bindi has expressed elation to be part of this history making conference to be hosted in Sierra Leone.

He assured the First Lady of his Ministry’s full support and commitment towards the success of the conference.

UN Resident Coordinator to Sierra Leone, Dr. Babatunde Aherusi applauded many organizations like Purposeful, Rainbow and other groups that are working on the ground to support progress in the area of sexual and gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.

Africell CEO Shadi Gerjawi, said they have been working, especially with the First Lady on the projects and programs that have to do with the Hands Off Our Girls.