Today, September 9, 2024, Caritas Freetown hosted a community awareness session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), focusing on policy landscapes and the vital involvement of men and boys. This impactful event gathered 50 participants from the Lumpa, Russel, Hastings, Regent, and Old Wharf communities at the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD C) Hall in Waterloo.
As part of our project, “Strengthening Community Resilience & Protecting Women and Girls through Integrated Disaster Preparedness (Goal 4) and Violence Mitigation (Goal 3),” funded by Trocaire, we aim to spark meaningful change by actively involving men and boys in preventing gender-based violence (GBV) while promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Today’s session covered key topics, including the societal roles of men, boys, women, and girls, the concept of masculinity and the “MAN BOX,” as well as the legal frameworks in place to combat GBV in Sierra Leone. Our objectives were to deepen understanding of women’s and children’s rights, highlight the effects of violence, and equip participants with strategies to manage emotions such as helplessness, stress, anger, and fear.
Facilitated by an expert from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs alongside our dedicated Caritas Freetown team, the event was a resounding success! We witnessed vibrant discussions and a collective commitment to building a safer and more equitable community.
Engaging men and boys in redefining gender relations is crucial for sustainable change. By fostering a sense of responsibility, we emphasize that “gender equality benefits everyone”.
Together, let’s empower our communities, uplift women and girls, and cultivate a culture of respect and equality. Together, we can create safer spaces for all!
GBVprevention #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #ViolenceMitigation #SierraLeone #Trocaire #CaritasFreetown
