Seraphine Wakana, the Resident Coordinator's statement of commitment at the “Real Man Campaign

I am honored to join government officials and dignitaries for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This campaign, launched by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991, has mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide, including the United Nations, to advocate for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Since then the Government and the people of Sierra Leone have joined this crucial effort wholeheartedly.  

As a testimony of this commitment from the Government of Sierra Leone, a few days ago, when I joined the First Lady at the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Violence event held at the Milton Margai Tertiary University at Goderich,  her message on the day, spiced with very good music and dancing from the stars was explicitly targeted at the role men and boys could play in the fight against Gender-Based Violence. I am therefore not surprised that as we kickstart the 16 Days of Activism, we are all gathered here today to launch the campaign, with a special focus on the "Real Man."

The "Real Man" campaign brings together men, boys, and girls to end gender-based violence, in alignment with the UN Secretary-General's "UNITE TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE" campaign and this year's UN theme, “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNITE to End Violence Against Women.” 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Empirical evidence shows that Comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, that are supported by dedicated funding, including to women’s rights organizations, are the most effective for eliminating VAWG, which is exactly the approach we are witnessing in Sierra Leone.

I therefore want to profoundly thank and acknowledge the role Mr President, Madam First Lady, development partners, civil society organizations   and everyone who has been working tirelessly  in addressing GBV  which is widespread, with high rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child marriage. Reports indicate that a significant percentage of women and girls experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. I also note the strides being taken to address child marriage. Child marriage is still high in Sierra Leone, with about 30% of girls married before the age of 18, which increases their vulnerability to GBV and limits their access to education and economic opportunities.

Clearly, Ladies and gentlemen, this campaign is an urgent call to action for men and boys across Sierra Leone to redefine what it means to be a "real man." In a world where gender-based violence continues to devastate lives, we must challenge harmful norms and foster a culture of respect, equality, and accountability.

On behalf of the United Nations in Sierra Leone, I pledge our total commitment to this critical initiative. Together, we will amplify the message that true strength lies in embracing values of empathy, partnership, and non-violence. Our commitment includes:

Promoting Positive Masculinity: Through the "Real Man Campaign," we pledge to   work with communities, schools, and workplaces to engage men and boys as champions for change. By redefining masculinity, we challenge outdated notions of dominance and control, promoting equality as the foundation of healthy relationships.

Raising Awareness: Through the soon-to-be-launched Spotlight initiative to end violence against women and girls, we remained committed to working with the European Union, the Government and other development partners to support partnerships with the media, influencers, and local leaders. We will ensure that the campaign reaches every corner of Sierra Leone. The message from urban centres to rural communities will be apparent: A real man protects, respects, and uplifts women and girls. 

Addressing Structural Barriers: While the campaign focuses on individual change, we will also advocate for systemic reforms to address the underlying drivers of GBV, including poverty, inequality, and lack of education. I am therefore pleased to remind you that our new strategic document, the Cooperation Framework, which comes into effect from January 2025 to 2030, places a premium on our continued support to empower individuals and society. We continue to play a pivotal role in addressing GBV by providing technical support, mobilizing resources, advocating for survivors’ rights, and fostering partnerships. Our efforts align with national and global commitments to end GBV, including the SDGs, particularly Goal 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls.

Engaging Men and Boys as Allies: Recognizing their critical role, we will involve men and boys as allies in GBV prevention programs. Through education and dialogue, we will encourage them to stand against violence and actively support gender equality. To show that we are also 'DOING' what we 'TALK,' UN Women, our specialized agency, last week launched its first cohort of ChangeMakers interns who have been selected to learn from and contribute to building knowledge on the partnership of UN Women with stakeholders on various aspects of their joint work including GBV. I have also started advocating for other UN agencies to emulate an excellent example driven by Fifty-Fifty (per cent). 

Holding Perpetrators Accountable: We will continue to support the government in strengthening legal systems to ensure that those who commit acts of violence face justice, sending a strong message that GBV has no place in society.

Ladies and gentlemen, the "Real Man Campaign" is more than a slogan—it is a transformative movement. It recognizes that true manhood is defined not by power over others but by the courage to stand for what is right.

As we mark the 16 Days of Activism, let us unite as a society. May every man and boy see himself as a partner in the fight against GBV, and may every woman and girl live free from fear.

The United Nations family stands firmly with Sierra Leone in this mission. We can build a nation where respect, equality, and peace prevail.

Thank you.