Yearlong Human Rights campaign launched at end of 16 Days of Activism.

The yearlong “Our Rights, Our Future: Right Now,” initiative has been launched at the Wateroo District Council Hall by UN Resident Coordinator (RC) Seraphine Wakana with calls for the Government of Sierra Leone, its MDAs and civil society stakeholders to follow the UN’s commitment to implement the campaign.

It was launched while delivering her remarks at the closing of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the International Human Rights Day Celebration on Tuesday, 10 December, with the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, in attendance. The Deputy Chair of the Western Rural District Council and representation at the district -level from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Health, Social Welfare, the security sector and other stakeholders also graced the event, which was followed by a Town Hall meeting.

According to the RC, during the campaign, the UN intends to raise awareness about the real-life relevance of human rights and how they affect everyone daily. “We also intend to shift perceptions and counter negative stereotypes and misconceptions by highlighting success stories and the positive impact of human rights. Equally, we intend to mobilize action and encourage people to act, support human rights initiatives, and join in creating a fairer, more equal world,” she noted.

On the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which also coincided with the commemorations of the International Human Rights Day, she said the past days have been filled with energy, commitment, and undeniable solidarity and that “Together, we’ve echoed one powerful truth: there is no excuse for violence.” The RC said it is a collective call to action that demands we say enough is enough. It calls for all to work together to ensure gender equality, protect women and girls, and empower everyone while leaving no one behind—including boys and men.

Furthermore, she quoted UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who said, "Gender equality is a question of power” and that we must address power imbalances. 

In her statement, Dr Isata Mahoi said that the 16 days of activism essentially provided an opportunity to reflect on the state of gender-based violence and the Government’s actions to address this menacing threat to women and girls’ security.

In recent weeks and months, the Minister said that we have witnessed an increasing surge of violence against women and girls akin to the period that predates the declaration of a Public Health Emergency on rape and sexual penetration of minors in 2019. She also noted the gains collectively made over the years in preventing and responding to violence against women and girls.  “In addition to the Sexual Offences Amendment Act (2019), we have enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (2022) to provide for gender equality in public decision-making bodies, employment and access to finance among others,” she said.

As part of the sixteen days of activism, the “Real Man” Campaign was launched in all districts of the country except the western rural district.