By Ibrahim S. Bangura
December 2025 – The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has sounded the alarm over the escalating scale of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Sierra Leone, revealing that more than 183,000 cases were recorded nationwide between 2023 and 2025.
Dr. Mahoi made the disclosure while addressing stakeholders, artists, organisers, and guests at a music and arts awareness event held at City Hall in Freetown. The gathering brought together young creatives, policymakers, development partners, and members of the public, using artistic expression as a platform to confront violence against women, girls, and children.
“A Clarion Call to Action”
Speaking with emotion, the Minister described the event as more than a competition, calling it “a clarion call to action against sexual and gender-based violence.”
“Sexual and gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in this country. It is a human rights violation that weakens families and the very fabric of our society. As voices rise in song and instruments echo resilience tonight, we reaffirm our collective resolve to end violence in all its forms,” Dr. Mahoi said.
She noted that boys are increasingly becoming victims alongside women and girls, raising urgent questions about the future direction of society.
Dr. Mahoi placed Sierra Leone’s response within the framework of international and regional commitments, citing CEDAW, the Beijing Declaration, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5), the Maputo Protocol, and the ECOWAS Gender Policy.
“These frameworks remind us that Sierra Leone’s efforts are part of a broader global and continental movement to ensure dignity, safety, and equality for all,” she said.
The Minister described the statistics as “appalling,” stressing the need for community-level interventions. She highlighted government reforms, including:
- The Sexual Offences Act (2019 amendment) introducing stiffer penalties.
- The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (2022) promoting women’s leadership.
- The Customary Land Rights Act, which now supports women’s rights to own land and property.
She emphasized that women’s empowerment is central to preventing violence, noting that economically independent women are better positioned to protect themselves and advocate for their rights.
Dr. Mahoi pointed to training for police officers, social workers, and healthcare providers, as well as partnerships with civil society and international partners such as the European Union and the United Nations.
She announced that Sierra Leone has begun implementing the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, supported by the EU, aimed at ending gender-based violence in all its forms.
Recognising the link between poverty and vulnerability, she said the government is supporting women’s access to skills training, credit facilities, and entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the Munafaa Fund, though she admitted resources remain limited.
Drawing from her background as a drama artist, Dr. Mahoi underscored the role of music, drama, and culture in driving social change.
“Music and the arts can break the silence, inspire empathy, and mobilise communities,” she said, urging families, institutions, and young people to play their roles in ending SGBV.
The evening concluded with musical performances, including a special appearance by renowned saxophonist Gardinza, symbolising harmony, justice, and hope for a violence-free society.
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