From ChangeMaker Intern to Champion for Survivors: Magdalene’s Journey of Service and Impact.

When Magdalene joined the UN Women Sierra Leone ChangeMaker Internship Programme in 2024, she was eager to learn, contribute, and make a difference. What she did not realize at the time was that the opportunity would become a life-changing stepping stone, shaping not only her professional career but also the lives of many women and children in Sierra Leone.

Assigned to the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Unit and stationed at the One Stop Centre in Port Loko District, Magdalene quickly distinguished herself through her dedication, professionalism, and compassion for survivors of gender-based violence. From the outset, she demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable women and children, approaching her work with empathy, determination, and a genuine desire to serve.

Working alongside social workers, counsellors, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers, Magdalene contributed to ensuring that survivors received comprehensive, survivor-centred support. Her responsibilities included assisting with case management, coordinating referrals, supporting awareness-raising initiatives, and helping survivors access medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal services, and justice.

Her colleagues soon recognized her as a dependable and hardworking team member. Whether preparing case files, organizing community sensitization sessions, collecting data for reporting, or supporting survivors through legal processes, Magdalene consistently exceeded expectations. Her commitment often extended beyond official working hours, driven not by obligation but by her passion for helping those in need.

For Magdalene, the internship was more than a professional opportunity. It was a chance to stand beside survivors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and contribute to meaningful change.

One case, in particular, remains deeply etched in her memory and to influence her approach to protection work and justice.

“One of the cases that shaped my perspective was that of a three-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by her own grandfather,” Magdalene recalls.

The case was emotionally challenging and required coordinated action among several institutions. Despite the complexities involved, Magdalene remained committed to ensuring that the survivor received the necessary care and protection while pursuing justice. She actively followed up on the case, worked closely with relevant authorities, and contributed to efforts that ultimately led to a successful outcome.

Her persistence paid off. The perpetrator was arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to prison.

“That experience changed me forever,” she says. “It reinforced my commitment to protecting women and girls and showed me the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice.”

Through the ChangeMaker Internship Programme, Magdalene gained valuable practical experience in survivor-centred approaches, case coordination, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and data collection and management. The programme equipped her with the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to contribute meaningfully to national efforts to end gender-based violence.

Highlighting the programme’s vision, UN Women Officer-in-Charge Baindu Massaquoi stated: “Our goal is to empower a new generation of changemakers who can contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan, and other national and global development frameworks.”

Magdalene’s commitment and strong performance did not go unnoticed.

Following the successful completion of her internship, she secured employment with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs as a Protection Assistant and now serves as the lead GBVIMS+ Data Collector. In this role, she continues to strengthen protection systems, improve services for survivors, and support efforts that advance the rights and well-being of women and children across Sierra Leone.

Her journey from ChangeMaker Intern to protection professional is a powerful example of how investing in young people can create lasting impact. Today, Magdalene stands as a testament to the transformative potential of the ChangeMaker Internship Programme, using her skills and experience to champion the rights, protection, and dignity of survivors across the country.