Stakeholders have met in Makeni to discuss ways of strengthening the prevention of and response to gender-based violence in Sierra Leone.
The high-level policy briefing, held at the Makeni City Council Hall on Saturday, 22 August 2026, focused on communities’ knowledge of gender-based violence and the country’s national gender frameworks.
The event was organised under UN Women’s EMPOWER Salone Project—Enhancing Women’s Protection and Women’s Leadership in Sierra Leone—in collaboration with Media Matters for Women. It was supported by Irish Aid and the Government of Ireland.
During the briefing, participants examined research findings on how communities understand gender-based violence and discussed the effectiveness of existing national policies.
The programme included presentations, group work, practical scenarios and interactive discussions. Participants also developed action points intended to improve public awareness, prevention, protection and institutional responses to gender-based violence.
Organisers said the engagement provided an important platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and explore practical solutions to create safer and more inclusive communities for women and girls across Sierra Leone.
