By Thaimu T Kamara

Sierra Leone has welcomed a high-level delegation from Namibia for a South-South Learning Exchange Forum aimed at strengthening collaboration, sharing experiences and improving the use of the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System Plus (GBVIMS+) in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

The visit, hosted by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, provides an opportunity for Namibia to learn from Sierra Leone’s experiences, institutional arrangements and progress in implementing the GBVIMS+ as part of efforts to improve the management of information and services for survivors of gender-based violence.

Speaking on behalf of the Namibian delegation, the Head of Delegation commended the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, for its leadership and commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening child protection and improving responses to gender-based violence.

She said the exchange would enable the Namibian delegation to gain valuable insights into Sierra Leone’s institutional practices, policy frameworks and practical experiences in implementing the information management system.

According to her, the visit represents an important opportunity for both countries to learn from each other, exchange ideas and identify approaches that could strengthen national responses to gender-based violence.

In her address, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs emphasised the importance of South-South cooperation in building stronger national systems for preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

She noted that countries across Africa face similar challenges in addressing violence against women, girls and children, making collaboration and knowledge-sharing essential to developing effective and sustainable solutions.

The Minister highlighted Sierra Leone’s investments in legal, policy and institutional frameworks designed to strengthen protection mechanisms and improve services for survivors.

She explained that the introduction and implementation of GBVIMS+ have contributed to improving the management of information, coordination among service providers, case referrals and evidence-based decision-making.

The Minister, however, stressed that the importance of the system extends beyond collecting and storing information, noting that reliable data must be translated into practical interventions and policies that respond to the needs of survivors.

She maintained that effective information management should support decision-making, strengthen institutional accountability and ensure that appropriate services reach those who need them.

The Minister also underscored the importance of protecting the confidentiality, dignity and safety of survivors, particularly when handling sensitive information relating to incidents of gender-based violence.

She said the responsible management of such information was critical to building trust between survivors and service providers while ensuring that interventions remain sensitive, coordinated and survivor-centred.

Recognising the importance of partnerships in achieving these objectives, the Minister acknowledged the contributions of several government institutions and development partners whose collaboration has supported the piloting and implementation of GBVIMS+ in Sierra Leone.

Among those recognised were the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and service providers, including the Rainbo Initiative and the Commit and Act Foundation.

She noted that the progress made in strengthening the system was a result of collective efforts and sustained cooperation among institutions working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

The Minister reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting accountability and advancing approaches that place survivors at the centre of all interventions.

She further expressed confidence that the learning exchange would deepen bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and Namibia while generating practical lessons that could contribute to strengthening gender-based violence prevention and response systems across the African continent.

The exchange is also expected to reinforce the importance of institutional collaboration, effective data management and shared responsibility in addressing the complex challenges associated with gender-based violence.

For Sierra Leone, the engagement provides an opportunity to showcase progress made in strengthening its national response mechanisms while learning from Namibia’s experiences and identifying areas for future cooperation.

The visit reflects the growing importance of African solidarity and South-South cooperation in addressing common development challenges through peer learning, knowledge-sharing and institutional partnerships.

Gender-based violence remains a major concern across many African countries, affecting women, girls, children and other vulnerable groups. Strengthening reporting mechanisms, improving access to support services and ensuring coordinated responses remain important components of efforts to address the problem.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has reiterated its commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening child protection and ensuring that evidence gathered through information management systems translates into meaningful action.

As the exchange brings together institutions and practitioners from both countries, it is expected to contribute to stronger partnerships and improved approaches to protecting survivors, preventing abuse and promoting safer communities.

The engagement marks another important step towards strengthening regional cooperation and ensuring that African countries continue to learn from one another in the collective fight against gender-based violence.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)