By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – August 31, 2026: The Legal Aid Board (LAB), in collaboration with the Anglican Diocese of Freetown, has concluded a two-day capacity building training on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) for church leaders and stakeholders of the Diocese.
Held at the Munah Jeploe Hall on Richard Street, the training brought together 85 participants from the Western Area Rural and Urban districts. The sessions focused on equipping clergy and church stakeholders with knowledge of basic laws on SGBV, their responsibilities in prevention and response, and the importance of avoiding mediation or cover-ups of such cases within church circles.
Church Commitment to Safeguarding
Archbishop Rt. Rev. Thomas A.I. Wilson, in his opening and closing remarks, expressed gratitude to LAB and its Executive Director for the partnership. He emphasized that the training aligns with the church’s role as an agent of change, noting that the Diocese has introduced a Gender Desk to respond to SGBV-related concerns. He urged participants to cascade the message to their congregations and highlighted plans to adopt a safeguarding policy similar to that of the global Anglican Church.
LAB’s Role in Legal Empowerment
Sallu Jusu, LAB’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and Acting Head of Programmes, explained that the training builds on previous collaborations with the Diocese. He stressed that LAB’s mandate extends beyond legal representation to include legal education and empowerment for partners and the public.
Lead facilitator Counsel Ibrahim Bangura delivered a presentation on the causes, consequences, and harmful social norms contributing to SGBV, as well as the legal and human rights framework in Sierra Leone. He cautioned that churches must not act as police stations by mediating or concealing SGBV cases.
Counsel Lizandra W. Kargbo and Counsel Mustapha Karim Dauda guided participants on responding to disclosures, referral pathways, safeguarding practices, and access to justice.
In plenary discussions, participants recommended that church leaders prioritize the law over biblical verses when addressing SGBV, integrate SGBV issues into sermons, and establish a Training of Trainers (TOT) program to extend knowledge to wider church membership.
The sessions were interactive, with questions, answers, and group presentations reinforcing the importance of church leadership in combating SGBV.