October 2012 – Ongoing

Group discussions and sensitization meetings held with residents of WYCF’s target communities indicated a minimal awareness of Human Rights and a disturbingly high rate of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

Gender inequality and violence against women remain prevalent at all levels of society in Sierra Leone, women and children being the most affected groups.

The challenges:

– Prevalence of SGBV in Kroo Bay and George Brook;

– Lack of knowledge about Human Rights and the causes and impacts of SGBV;

– Gender inequality and violence remain as major obstacles to development in the communities.

Our solution:

– Conduct community training workshops to introduce advocacy concepts;

– Document and report women’s rights violations and enact the prevention of social injustice;

– Provide psychosocial counselling, legal assistance, transportation and medical referrals to SGBV victims, their families and witnesses;

– Develop and disseminate Information, Education and Communication materials on women’s rights.

The outcomes:

– Raised awareness of Human Rights and gender equality;

– Establishment of communication and information channels to disseminate advocacy messages;

– Empowerment of the victims and witnesses