In continuation with the 16 Days of Activism and Sensitization Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in schools and communities, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MGCA) has sensitised pupils of the Annie Walsh Memorial School in Freetown.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) was launched by the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Bio on 25th November 2023 at the Freetown City Council Hall.
The campaign is observed globally to raise awareness aimed at ending GBV especially against women, girls and children.
In her address to the pupils of the school, the Director of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Madam Goodie Marian Sowonie, told the pupils that all have been victims of violence in one way or the other but noted that key among these violence are sexual penetration against minors, rape, physical violence, psychological violence, social violence and economic violence among others.
She described GBV as any form of violence or discrimination or harm done against any individual or group of people as a result of their gender enlightening that in as much as women and girls are the ones who are more vulnerable to sexual assault, penetration and rape, the Ministry has now confirmed that men and boys are also victims of sexual violence and domestic violence.
She further revealed that there are many complaint mechanisms they have established as a ministry and their partners whereby victims of GBV can complain and seek justice respectively underscoring, “the 16 Days of Activism is geared towards raising awareness and putting hands together by all stakeholders to end GBV not only in Sierra Leone but globally.”
Madam Goodie Marian Sowonie also encouraged the pupils to desist from all forms of violence against each other, educate their colleagues about GBV and other violence, stop compromising and allowing boys to play with their breasts and buttocks.
The 16 Days of Activism ended on the 10th December 2023.
It is observed globally to raise awareness among communities on issues of GBV and their human rights as many have experienced them but lack the consciousness that they are crimes.