United Nations Women has held a capacity Strengthening, Awareness Raising and Wellness Retreat with One Stop Centre Staff and District Support Structures in Freetown.

According to Setcheme Jeronime M. Mongbo, Head of Office, UN Women, the International community, Civil Society Groups, health workers, district councillors, the coordinating bodies of centres and other partners through their dedication have made it possible for sexual and gender-base violence victims and survivors to have the support they need.

She stated that UN Women is supporting 7 out of 8 One Stop Centres created by the President for two years now. These centres include; Port Loko, Kailahun, Moyamba, Pujehun, Koinadugu, Karene and Mattru Jong.

She commended the Embassy of Ireland, Embassy of China, US Embassy, EU and other agencies for their support and representation. Madam Setcheme added that after months of monitoring visits at the centres they decided to give prompt qualified and comprehensive answer to the request and needs of the Centre Staff.

In her keynote address, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Madam Manty Tarawalli thanked the donors, her staff and volunteers for making the centres receptive to the needs of survivors. She added that providing such life saving services makes them invaluable in their communities.