UN Women, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, has officially launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Sierra Leone.

The campaign, which focuses on addressing harmful practices, strengthening survivor support systems, and promoting grassroots-driven solutions, has drawn overwhelming community participation, underscoring the nation’s determination to combat GBV and its underlying causes.

Key stakeholders, including development partners such as Iceland, have been pivotal in supporting the initiative. Acknowledging their contributions, UN Women and the Ministry of Gender emphasized the need for sustained partnerships to achieve Sierra Leone’s national goals of eradicating GBV, promoting gender equality, and advancing the commitments made under the Beijing +30 framework.

The activism campaign serves as a platform to amplify the voices of survivors, advocates, and grassroots leaders working to end GBV in Sierra Leone. By confronting harmful cultural practices and improving response mechanisms for survivors, the effort seeks to create a safer and more equitable society.

As the 16 Days of Activism progress, the campaign highlights the progress made and the substantial work still required to address GBV comprehensively. It calls on the international community, local actors, and citizens to strengthen their commitment to ending violence and ensuring equality for all.

This year’s campaign reflects Sierra Leone’s readiness to confront the challenges of GBV through unified, community-driven action and international collaboration.