Communities lead the way in establishing safe spaces for women and girls in Sierra Leone

MOYAMBA/KAILAHUN/FALABA DISTRICTS, Sierra Leone - Communities across Sierra Leone are working to end violence against women and girls and support survivors through the establishment of community-owned safe spaces.

On 18 September, with support from the European Union and the United Nations, Spotlight Initiative and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) commenced work to set up three secure, confidential safe spaces in Krubola-Falaba, Luawa-Kailahun and Bradford-Moyamba districts. These are spaces where women and girls can build supportive networks, access information about their rights, receive psychosocial counselling and referral services, explore livelihood opportunities and access essential services. 

The safe spaces are housed within community-owned structures that have been voluntarily made available to the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, UN Women, UNICEF and other partners for use. The spaces will be refurbished to ensure they meet the needs of women, girls and vulnerable groups.

The handing over ceremony was led by Paramount Chiefs for each of the districts and brought together district stakeholders including traditional authorities, government officials, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, women's and youth groups, demonstrating a collective commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity and wellbeing of women and girls.

The community’s leadership in providing structures for safe spaces demonstrates strong local ownership and commitment to efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. While communities have contributed the physical spaces, the Government and programme partners will support its operationalization and the delivery of services. 

Speaking on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) at the launch, Mr. Charles B. Vandi, Chief Director-MoGCA, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing violence against women and girls. He urged the four UN Agencies (UN Women, UNICEF, UNDP and UNFPA) and their implementing partners to work together to support communities and called on members of the community to take ownership of the Initiative. "Let us embrace this project and work together to end violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone," he urged.

Traditional leaders across the three districts welcomed the Initiative and pledged their support to ensure its success. Representing UN Women, Sahr Moikoindor Moiba, Officer-in-Charge and Acting Operations Manager, said: "These Safe Spaces belong to the communities. Let us utilize them as platforms to protect women and girls and as opportunities to end all forms of violence against women and girls."     

A Section Chief of Neya Chiefdom in Falaba District, highlighted the significance of bringing the programme to hard-to-reach communities. “Bringing Spotlight Initiative to Krubola, Neya Chiefdom, is a clear demonstration of leaving no one behind. We appreciate the support and appeal for continued assistance to communities in this part of the district. 

Community members welcomed the Initiative with enthusiasm through traditional drumming and dancing. Speaking on behalf of women in Krubola community, Madam Sundu Marrah, Chiefdom Mammy Queen expressed appreciation to partners for investing in the future of women and girls. "We want our children to learn and grow in a safe environment. We thank the EU, UN and other partners as we stand ready to support this project," she said. In Sierra Leone, Mammy Queens are respected women community leaders who represent and mobilize women at the local level. They often serve as a bridge between women, traditional authorities, local government and development partners. Community representatives described the safe spaces as symbols of hope, protection and empowerment. They noted that the facilities will help bring critical services closer to women and girls, especially in remote and underserved communities where access to support remains limited. 

As communities take ownership of these safe spaces, they are creating lasting platforms for protection, empowerment and support for women and girls. The initiative demonstrates how collaboration between communities, government institutions, civil society and partners can translate global commitments into locally led action that helps women and girls live free from violence.

By Mohamed Kargbo