Communities Lead the Way in Establishing Safe Spaces for Women and Girls in Sierra Leone

Communities in Moyamba, Kailahun and Falaba districts are taking the leading role in ending violence against women and girls through the establishment of community owned safe spaces under the Spotlight Initiative Programme in Sierra Leone. 

Supported by the European Union and the United Nations, the Safe Spaces establishment, launched by the Spotlight Initiative and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), will serve as secure and confidential environments where women and girls can build their networks, receive information, access psychosocial support, referral services, livelihood opportunities, and other essential support services.

The handover ceremony brought together representatives from district councils, traditional authorities, community leaders, government officials, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, all demonstrating a collective commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of women and girls.

The community-provided structures reflect strong local ownership and support for efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Through their contribution, community stakeholders have demonstrated that ending violence against women and girls is a shared responsibility requiring action from everyone.

Speaking on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs at the launch, Mr. Charles B. Vandi, Chief Director of 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), together with their Implementing Partners to collaboratively work together in supporting communities through the Spotlight Initiative Programme. He called on Community Stakeholders to own the interventions in the Spotlight Initiative as this will enhance sustainability. "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, provided an overview of the Spotlight Initiative Programme and called on community members to make full use of the Safe Spaces.

"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," he emphasized.

A Section Chief of Neya Chiefdom in Falaba District, highlighted the significance of bringing the programme to hard-to-reach communities.

"Falaba District is a hard-to-reach area, and bringing the 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," he stated.

Community members welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm through beating traditional drums and dance as a form of joy for the Spotlight programme in their communities. Speaking on behalf of women in the community, Madam Sundu Marrah expressed appreciation to the 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 partners and stand ready to support this project," she said.

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, the European Union and the United Nations can translate global commitments into locally led action that helps women and girls live free from violence.

By Mohamed Kargbo: Communications Officer UN Women Sierra Leone