FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, 09 July 2025 — The Government of Sierra Leone has officially launched the Spotlight Initiative—a bold, multi-year global partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN)—to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG).  The launch held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on Tuesday July 8th united government ministries, including the Chief Minister, the Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs and the Minister of Health; the European Union; UN agencies, representatives from the global Spotlight Initiative; the Rainbo Initiative; civil society organisations; traditional leaders; parliamentarians; the justice sector; and key development partners to address this scourge in our society. This launch builds on a landmark €15 million financing agreement signed on 11 April 2024 by Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura and the European Union. This pivotal partnership represents a shared commitment to intensify national efforts in combating sexual and gender-based violence through coordinated funding, technical support, and sustained political will. A National Crisis Demands Urgent Action Violence against women and girls remains deeply entrenched in Sierra Leone. An estimated 62 percent of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence, according to the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS) 2019. Harmful traditional practices—such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage—along with intimate partner violence, continue to threaten the safety, dignity, and economic empowerment of women and girls across the country. A Global Movement, A Local Commitment Launched globally in 2017 with an initial investment of €500 million from the European Union, the Spotlight Initiative stands as the world's largest targeted effort to eradicate violence against women and girls. Its achievements to date include supporting the enactment of over 540 laws and policies designed to combat violence; enabling more than 3 million women and girls to access essential, life-saving services; engaging 8 million young people and 6 million men and boys in shifting harmful gender norms, and doubling conviction rates for gender-based violence in 13 participating countries By adopting this proven framework, Sierra Leone aims to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality—and to create lasting, transformative change for generations to come. An Integrated, Survivor-Centered Strategy The Spotlight Initiative in Sierra Leone will implement a comprehensive, four-pillar approach:              1.           Laws, Policies, and Institutions — Strengthen legislation, enhance institutional capacity, and improve data systems to support prevention and justice.              2.           Prevention — Launch nationwide behavior-change campaigns and community education programs that challenge harmful social norms and practices.              3.           Response Services — Expand access to quality, survivor-centered health, legal, psychosocial, and protection services.              4.           Women's Movements — Empower and fund grassroots women-led and youth-led organisations to lead advocacy and accountability efforts. With funding of a little over $ 12,000 targeting Moyamba, Falaba, and Kailahun Districts, the 3.8 million Euros component of the project will target all the 16 districts, 48 chiefdoms and 48 wards (in the Western Area Rural and Urban). Key national partners include the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the Sierra Leone Police, traditional leaders and the justice sector.  Launch Event and Stakeholder Commitment At the launch ceremony, political leaders, development partners, civil society, and community representatives recommitted to ending gender-based violence through policy reform, community mobilisation, and strong institutional responses.  Statements from Key Stakeholders In her welcome address, Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, thanked the Resident Coordinator, the Representatives of EU, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, and the Executive Director of Rainbo Initiative for their technical and supervisory roles in obtaining the final approved document. She also thanked her colleagues and the Minister of Finance for signing the agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union. "I am one of the happiest today as we officially launch the Spotlight Initiative. This support from the European Union will go a long way to complement the implementation of my core mandate as the Minister responsible for women and children in this nation", the Minister emphasised.  The Executive Director of Rainbo Initiative, Daniel F. H Kettor, stated that the Initiative is more than just a response to gender-based violence, but a bold declaration that violence is not our culture, and silence is not our option, and that enough is enough. According to him, the statistics against gender-based violence against women and girls across Sierra Leone are sobering. He disclosed that in 2024 alone, over 3,000 cases of sexual violence were recorded across the seven Rainbo Centres. Survivors as young as 2 months and as old as 97 years came to them seeking care, comfort, and a path to their healing. “These numbers are not abstract; they represent real lives. They are our daughters, mothers, sisters, and wives", he said.  Gerald Hatler, Charge’ d'Affaires ai of the EU in Sierra Leone, said that what makes this Initiative particularly significant is its focused approach: among the many nations globally, only a select few in Africa are benefiting from this comprehensive programme. He was proud to highlight that Sierra Leone is one of the four pioneering African countries for this second phase of the programme, alongside Uganda, Zambia, and Liberia. "This selection underscores the recognition of Sierra Leone's commitment and the urgent need for action here", he noted. The EU, he maintained, firmly believes that true gender equality cannot be achieved as long as violence against women persists. This makes ending gender-based violence not just a women's issue, but truly everyone's issue, a societal challenge that demands collective attention and action. UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, who is also Co-Chair of the Project Steering Committee, explained that violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time. Globally, nearly 1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. At the policy level, the UN Resident Coordinator called on the Government to institutionalise gender-responsive budgeting, strengthen data systems, and ensure that national frameworks are inclusive and rights-based. "At the community level, we will see an expansion of safe spaces, a scaling up of prevention programs, and more support to grassroots organisations, especially those led by women and girls,". Bilkish Kabia, a survivor shared her story to inspire hope and courage of how in 2022 as a schoolgirl in Kambia District, navigating life with a small circle of friends, and at the age of 16 often felt safer with her male friends, believing they offered protection and genuine companionship, but that one day, everything changed. Her trust betrayed, and the assault left her shattered, emotionally broken and stripped of the pride she had held so dearly"Today, I am an Outreach Intern, leading community efforts to raise awareness about the early warning signs of gender-based violence. More powerfully, I am part of the Survivor Solidarity Movement at Rainbo Initiative—a survivor-led platform where those affected by sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) unite, support each other, and drive advocacy for our needs", she revealed. Delivering the keynote address and officially launching the programme, the Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh who is also the Lead Co-Chair of the Project Steering Committee described the launch as a remarkable testament to the strength of national and international partnerships.He described Sierra Leone’s inclusion in the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 as having gone through rigorous consultations with the UN, the EU, the Government and other stakeholders including civil society.  This engagement culminated in development of the Spotlight Framework, which received final approval from the European Union,” Dr. Sengeh stated. He also highlighted the government’s achievements in the fight against GBV, including the strengthening of the Sexual Offences Act, the establishment of One-Stop Centres, the 116 GBV Hotline, safe homes, and a Sexual Offences Model Court. “We are seeing results. Survivors now have greater trust in the support systems, and more are stepping forward to seek justice,” he indicated.  

WFP 
Building readiness: NDMA, WFP, SLRCS and partners strengthen Sierra Leone’s emergency response capacity. 

To strengthen national capacity for effective disaster response, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, organized a three-day nationwide emergency preparedness and response workshop. The training aimed to improve coordination and readiness among key disaster management actors and included practical simulations to enhance operational capabilities during crises.  In his opening remarks, Mr. John Rogers, Deputy Director General of NDMA, provided a sobering overview of recent disasters in Sierra Leone. He emphasized that the adverse impacts of these events could have been significantly mitigated through adequate preparedness and readiness. Mr. Rogers underscored that the primary aim of the workshop was to strengthen the operational readiness of responders for more effective disaster management. He called on all stakeholders to shift the focus from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness. He noted that selected partners were chosen based on their critical roles in disaster risk reduction. Key issues he highlighted included: The urgent need for inter-pillar coordination, which he noted has often been lacking.The critical role of early warning systems in improving preparedness.The importance of effective disaster communication. The workshop emphasised preparedness over response, promoting coordinated action, and data-driven planning. Key takeaways include the validation of Terms of Reference of response pillars, a shared understanding of national response strategies, and improved readiness tools such as the rapid assessment framework. The simulation exercise underscored the value of continuous testing and improvement of emergency plans to build a more resilient disaster management system in Sierra Leone. 
 UNICEF 
With support from UNICEF, Sierra Leone launched a National Life Skills Framework to empower adolescents. 

UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and other development partners, on Wednesday, 2nd July, launched a Comprehensive Life Skills Framework which is a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen the relevance and impacts of education for young people.  The new framework is a forward-looking policy tool that integrates essential life skills—such as critical thinking, emotional resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy—into the national education system. It aims to ensure that every child in Sierra Leone is equipped not only with academic knowledge, but also with the personal and social skills necessary to navigate life, work, and society in an increasingly complex world. The framework was developed through a collaborative and consultative process involving government agencies, teachers, students, civil society organizations, and development partners. It is aligned with Sierra Leone’s national development objectives and global commitments, including Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education.  “This is a critical step forward and by embedding life skills in the senior secondary curriculum, Sierra Leone is investing in the full potential of adolescents and laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive generation,” said Liv Elin Indreiten, Acting UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. “UNICEF congratulates the MBSSE for its leadership and is proud to have supported this process. We call on all partners to work together to ensure its full and effective implementation.” 
UNFPA 
UNFPA joins African feminist leaders at the 4th NALAFEM Summit. 

From 1-2 July, UNFPA joined changemakers, feminist leaders, and survivors at the 4th NALAFEM Summit held under the theme “From Representation to Power: Women Leading in Crisis & Peace.” In a powerful video message during the Opening Ceremony, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem reaffirmed UNFPA’s global commitment to advancing reproductive rights, gender equality, peace, and women’s leadership in crisis settings. 

In the panel “From the Margins to Leadership,” UNFPA Sierra Leone’s Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Sibeso Mululuma, emphasised that the agency’s work is grounded in the lived experiences of survivors. From prevention to recovery, we ensure survivors are not only heard but lead the way in shaping responses to gender-based violence and harmful practices. 

United Nations Sierra Leone 
 UNICEF 

Fighting mpox: UNICEF scales up critical support in Sierra Leone 
As the Sierra Leone Government battles the third Mpox outbreak in the country, UNICEF is stepping up with comprehensive action to safeguard communities and support the acceleration of the national response. In close partnership with the Government, the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, and global partners, UNICEF is driving critical interventions to curb the spread of Mpox. Sierra Leone is facing its third Mpox outbreak, officially declared on 13 January 2025 after the first case was confirmed on 10 January. As of 17 June, there have been over 4000 confirmed cases and 25 deaths, with most patients recovering. The outbreak mainly affects people aged 20–39, especially women aged 20–29, and is concentrated in the Western district. “This Mpox outbreak is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be disrupted, especially for the most vulnerable — children and families,” said Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. “UNICEF is working with the Government and partners to deliver urgent support — from vaccines and safe water to trusted information and psychosocial support — so that communities can stay safe, informed, and resilient.” With over $600,000 already invested, UNICEF is driving Mpox prevention and control efforts across Sierra Leone through risk communication, WASH improvements, education, child protection, and vaccination initiatives. 


WHO WHO convenes high-level meeting to bolster Sierra Leone’s mpox response 
Freetown, Sierra Leone –The World Health Organization (WHO) convened a high-level meeting in Freetown to update key partners on Sierra Leone’s national response to the ongoing mpox outbreak and to mobilize coordinated support to address critical gaps. Chaired by Ambassador Jens Kraus-Mass, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the meeting brought together 20 strategic stakeholders including the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, the Head of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Prof. Foday Sahr, ECOWAS representatives, ambassadors, and development partners. Since confirming its first case in January 2025, Sierra Leone has recorded 4,181 confirmed mpox cases across all 16 districts. While the recent decline in new infections, 1,168 over the past three weeks signals progress, urgent action is needed to sustain the response. Minister Demby thanked WHO and partners for their solidarity, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based action: “This is a learning opportunity. We will build capacity and strengthen institutions, ensuring everything we do is guided by science.” Key progress reported includes expanded testing capacity, vaccination of healthcare workers and at-risk groups, enhanced community outreach, and targeted training in infection prevention and control (IPC). Yet, challenges persist, particularly in surveillance, genomic sequencing, psychosocial support, and IPC supply chains. “The next three weeks are crucial,” said WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh. “Maintaining momentum is essential to preserve gains and prevent resurgence.” With young adults aged 20–39, especially females 20–29, most affected, stakeholders called for deeper behavioural analysis and targeted interventions. Ambassador Kraus-Mass affirmed continued diplomatic support: “We are rethinking our approach to ensure we close gaps and support Sierra Leone more effectively.” The meeting underscored the power of coordinated action and reaffirmed commitment to halting transmission, protecting communities, and strengthening long-term health systems. UNDP  UNDP hands over community facilities to strengthen local security in Kono District 
In a significant step towards strengthening community safety, accountability, and resilience, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have officially handed over newly constructed Local Police Partnership Board (LPPB) offices to stakeholders in Soa, Gbense, and Kamara chiefdoms in Kono District. This milestone marks a key achievement under the Human Security Project, jointly implemented by UNDP and FAO and funded by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). The initiative applied the Human Security Approach to address the interlinked vulnerabilities faced by rural communities, ranging from conflict recovery and environmental degradation to weak governance and economic Exclusion. “These new facilities are more than just buildings, they symbolize community trust, local ownership, and our collective commitment to building peaceful and resilient societies. We are proud to stand with the people of Kono District in advancing sustainable development and inclusive security,” said Fredrick Ampiah , UNDP, Resident Representative. The targeted chiefdoms of Soa, Gbense, and Kamara, rich in mineral resources but  historically underserved, have faced the lasting impacts of Sierra Leone’s civil conflict, harmful mining practices, and limited infrastructure.  Through this joint project, UNDP, focused on strengthening community governance, conflict resolution, early warning systems, and social inclusion.  FAO promoted climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and improved food security. The new LPPB offices will serve as community hubs for mediation, early response to conflict, and collaboration between citizens and local law enforcement. 

RCORCO convenes three-day UNCT Annual Retreat 2025 at Bintumani Hotel The Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) convened the 2025 UN Country Team (UNCT) Annual Retreat on 21 May at the Bintumani Hotel under the theme, “Strategic Repositioning for Impact – Fostering Innovative Partnerships, Enhancing Internal Efficiency, and Promoting Staff Well-being to Accelerate SDG Delivery in Sierra Leone.” The retreat opened at a pivotal moment, as 2025 marks the first year of implementing the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF 2025–2030), aligned with the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan. In her opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Seraphine Wakana underscored the urgency of strategic repositioning in light of shifting development financing and geopolitical realities. She emphasised the importance of innovative partnerships, including private sector and South-South cooperation, as key to unlocking sustainable financing streams. Ms. Wakana also reaffirmed the UNCT’s role in strengthening joint programming, improving internal efficiencies, and advancing staff well-being within the broader UN 2.0 and UN80 reform agendas. She called on the UN system to move forward not as isolated entities, but as one UN family, united in purpose, responsive to national priorities, and committed to delivering on the promises made through the Cooperation Framework. 

WFP  Solar-Powered Cold Storage Set to Transform Lives of Women Farmers in Sierra Leone 
On May 14, 2025, in Newton, Western Area Rural, the Embassy of Japan joined WFP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to launch a solar-powered cold storage facility—the first of its kind in Sierra Leone. The innovation, funded by Japan and implemented by WFP with MAFS, is set to revolutionize post-harvest storage for women vegetable farmers by reducing spoilage and opening new markets.For years, smallholder women farmers in Koinadugu have struggled with post-harvest losses. Now, with this facility piloted by the Koinadugu Women Vegetable Farmers’ Cooperative, they can store vegetables longer and sell at better prices.“Before this, we lost almost half of our vegetables,” said Haja Sondu Marah. “Now, we can keep them fresh for days, even weeks.”WFP’s Yvonne Forsén called it “a step toward economic justice,” while Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi reaffirmed Japan’s support for sustainable development. Deputy Minister Dr. Theresa Tenneh-Dick praised the project for building long-term resilience.

IOM

IOM Sierra Leone Chief Holds High-Level Talks to Strengthen Migration Governance and Partnerships 
This week, Madame Aissata Kane, IOM Sierra Leone Chief of Mission with Coordinating Functions based in Dakar, held high-level bilateral meetings with key partners including the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union, and the UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Discussions focused on deepening collaboration on migration governance, aligning priorities, and identifying joint initiatives. Meetings with senior officials from the Ministries of Youth and Foreign Affairs reinforced commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to migration management. 

UNDPUNDP brings solar light to over 2,000 rural households in Sierra Leone 
In a significant stride toward expanding clean energy access, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched the installation of solar lighting systems for 2,183 rural households across six districts in Sierra Leone: Falaba, Kambia, Moyamba, Pujehun, Bonthe, and the Western Area (Rural) Districts. Each household will receive a 12-watt solar home system equipped with lighting units and mobile phone charging ports. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life, particularly for women and their families, in communities with limited or no electricity. The systems are expected to enhance household safety, extend study hours for children, and increase productivity for women-led small businesses. "This intervention is about more than just light, it's about empowerment, dignity, and opportunity,” said Mr. Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative. “By targeting female-led households, we are advancing gender equality and supporting resilient communities.” The solar installations align with UNDP’s broader strategy for inclusive energy access and climate resilience, directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Selected communities were chosen based on existing or planned UNDP interventions, enabling the programme to build on established infrastructure and partnerships. This area-based approach ensures more efficient delivery and deeper impact. With solar installations underway in Tombo, residents are hopeful, seeing not just light, but new opportunities and a brighter future.