The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the management of gender-based violence cases through improved digital systems and survivor protection. This commitment was highlighted after a successful South-South Learning Exchange Programme with Namibia, in partnership with UNFPA, UNICEF, and the Spotlight Initiative 2.0. The programme aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation and improve survivor-centred responses to gender-based violence.
The exchange programme involved the Namibian delegation engaging with frontline caseworkers, participating in practical demonstrations of the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System Plus (GBVIMS+), and visiting key service delivery facilities. These visits provided an opportunity for the delegation to observe Sierra Leone’s approaches to managing gender-based violence cases and delivering support services to survivors. The Namibian delegation visited the Rainbo Centre, Safe Homes in Makeni and Kabala, and the One Stop Centre in Kabala.
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, described the programme as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and improving survivor-centred responses to gender-based violence. She emphasised the importance of effective data management, confidentiality, and improved service delivery in ensuring that survivors receive the necessary support and protection. Dr Mahoi highlighted the ministry’s efforts to transition from paper-based to digital data management systems.
UNICEF Chief Child Protection Officer, Patrick Halton, commended the Ministry for its transition from paper-based to digital data management systems, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Government in protecting children from all forms of violence. UNFPA Country Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, praised the Ministry’s leadership and commitment to advancing gender equality and child protection, assuring continued support for the Government’s development priorities.
The exchange programme highlights the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs’ ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve the handling of gender-based violence cases, and promote effective, survivor-centred services through digital innovation and international cooperation. The programme also demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to enhancing digital systems to manage GBV cases and provide support services to survivors.
The Head of the Namibian delegation expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s hospitality and willingness to share practical experiences and knowledge. The exchange programme provided a platform for knowledge sharing and learning between Sierra Leone and Namibia, enhancing bilateral cooperation and collaboration in addressing gender-based violence.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs will continue to work with its partners, including UNFPA, UNICEF, and the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, to strengthen its digital response to gender-based violence and provide effective support services to survivors. The ministry’s efforts aim to promote gender equality, child protection, and effective data management in addressing GBV cases.
Key points
- The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has enhanced its digital systems to manage GBV cases through a South-South Learning Exchange Programme with Namibia.
- The programme aimed to improve survivor-centred responses to gender-based violence and strengthen bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and Namibia.
- The ministry’s efforts focus on effective data management, confidentiality, and improved service delivery to ensure survivors receive necessary support and protection.
