With the generous support of Iceland in Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, UN Women Sierra Leone has officially launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The campaign began with a vibrant town hall meeting in Bombali District and will continue to Tonkolili and Moyamba Districts.

These gatherings aim to bring communities together to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and promote collective action to end violence against women and girls.

The event attracted diverse participation, including women from all walks of life: politicians, students, civil society organizations (CSOs), law enforcement officers, development partners, and others. They united under the banner “No Excuse for Gender-Based Violence,” reaffirming their commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of engaging all sectors of society, including men and boys, as allies in this fight. With the message, “Real men don’t rape; real men support women and girls,” the initiative seeks to challenge harmful norms and promote a culture of respect and equality.

Over the coming days, the 16 Days of Activism will feature interactive community discussions, educational sessions, and advocacy efforts designed to empower women, engage stakeholders, and strengthen community-driven solutions to GBV.

UN Women and their partners are calling on everyone to unite and act. Ending violence against women and girls is not just a women’s issue-it is a human rights issue.

The campaign underscores the urgency of taking bold steps toward a safer and more inclusive Sierra Leone, where everyone can live free from violence and fear.

Let us join hands to amplify this call: UNITE! Act to End Violence Against Women and Girls.