By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

SEND Sierra Leone, backed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through Welthungerhilfe (WHH), concluded a transformative training program today under the Building Respect and Anti-Violence Education (BRAVE) Project, hosted by the Rainbow Initiative at Bankasoka Radio in Port Loko. The event united a diverse group of stakeholders including representatives from Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) Port Loko Campus, the BRAVE Project Advisory Committee, the Legal Aid Board, health workers, disability groups, women’s organizations, and civil society actors to tackle sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across schools, universities, and communities.

The training aimed to arm participants with critical knowledge, tools, and systems to prevent and respond to SGBV effectively, while promoting accountability and safeguarding survivors, addressing a pressing need in a society where such violence remains pervasive, this initiative underscores a commitment to creating a safer environment, particularly for vulnerable groups, by fostering coordinated support networks.

Mr. John F. Kanu, District Chairman for Persons with Disabilities, praised the effort, stating, “Too often, persons with disabilities are overlooked in protection and service delivery, but this training proves SEND and its partners are committed to ensuring every voice counts,  he added, this is our chance to be active participants, not just beneficiaries, in ending gender-based violence.”

Mrs. Kadiatu Mangai Conteh, President of Women in Governance in Port Loko District, highlighted women’s leadership potential, saying, “As the most affected by SGBV, women are also powerful agents of change; this training equips us to lead awareness, support survivors, and shape policies for safer communities.

Stakeholders emphasized the pivotal role of universities like EBKUST in cultivating respect, equality, and accountability, reinforcing their pledge to foster harassment-free learning spaces for young women. Representatives from the Legal Aid Board, health sector, and disability groups advocated for enhanced collaboration, noting the need for integrated legal, medical, and psychosocial support, and used the training to refine referral pathways.

Spanning December 2024 to March 2028, the BRAVE Project targets tertiary institutions nationwide, aiming to dismantle harmful gender norms, address SGBV root causes, and ensure survivors access justice without stigma. Today’s event in Port Loko marks a vital stride toward this goal, uniting diverse voices under a shared vision of a Sierra Leone where dignity, respect, and equality prevail for all.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)