By Janisa Momodu Esq.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global epidemic, and Sierra Leone is no exception. According to a recent report by The Guardian on September 4, 2024, progress toward gender equality has stalled or even reversed for more than a billion women and girls worldwide.
These alarming setbacks have left women and girls vulnerable to a litany of abuses, including in Sierra Leone. Despite numerous reports, protests, and official press statements, the reality is that meaningful, impactful action remains elusive.
In Freetown, the tragic rise in GBV cases is undeniable. Just two weeks ago, I was heartbroken to learn that a young woman, someone I knew through our shared church, Cornerstone Ministries, was allegedly beaten to death by her partner. Her death has shocked the community, leaving everyone grappling with the senseless loss of such a vibrant and promising young woman. As if that wasn’t enough, only yesterday, viral images surfaced online showing a police officer violently assaulting his partner. These incidents demonstrate that GBV in Sierra Leone is no longer just an issue of isolated incidents. It’s a crisis—a crisis that goes beyond lip service and requires immediate and tangible intervention.
The Roots of Gender-Based Violence
To understand GBV in Sierra Leone, we must first grasp its deep-seated roots. GBV encompasses a wide range of harmful actions directed toward individuals based on their gender, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.
In Sierra Leone, cultural and societal norms contribute significantly to the risks women and girls face. Patriarchal traditions deeply ingrained in the fabric of Sierra Leonean society allow men to exercise control over women in homes and public spaces.
This creates an environment where violence thrives, often unchecked.
Moreover, stigmatization surrounding GBV discourages victims from speaking out. Many women fear being ostracized or retaliated against by their abusers, making it easier for perpetrators to continue their violent behaviour without consequences. In many cases, law enforcement has not only failed to protect victims but has even become the perpetrators of violence themselves. The recent viral incident involving the police officer abusing his partner highlights the genuine issue of law enforcement collaboration. When those charged with upholding justice are themselves engaged in acts of GBV, public trust in the system erodes, and the cycle of violence continues unchecked.
Press Statements and Protests: Are They Enough?
Whenever horrific cases of GBV come to light, we witness a familiar cycle: public outrage, press coverage, official statements, and protests. These are all necessary responses to raising awareness, but they often fall short of creating long-term change. Too frequently, these efforts are temporary. People express their outrage, but once the initial shock fades, the spotlight dims, and nothing substantial happens to address the root causes of GBV. Meanwhile, survivors continue to suffer in silence, and perpetrators often go unpunished.
Sierra Leone is not alone in this. Around the world, GBV is often treated as a secondary issue. While official statements condemning such violence are essential, they are meaningless unless followed by policy reforms, law enforcement accountability, and comprehensive support systems for survivors. Without these, the problem will persist.
The Time for Action is Now
The rise in GBV cases in Sierra Leone is a wake-up call. This issue can no longer be ignored or dismissed. Every act of violence against women is not just a violation of their rights; it is an assault on the core principles of human dignity, justice, and equality that bind society. The recent incidents reflect deeply entrenched systemic issues and inequalities that disproportionately affect women, girls, and marginalized communities. These acts of violence are not isolated events; they are part of a global pattern where power imbalances and gender discrimination persist, often unchecked, and when these crimes go unpunished, they embolden future offenders. Public outrage and official statements are important, but they are not enough. We need real, long-lasting actions that lie in sustained, actionable change.
As a fellow in Gender, Globalization, and Rights, I stand firmly against the horrifying reports of GBV that have surfaced in Sierra Leone, particularly the brutal death of a young woman who was allegedly beaten to death and the recent case of a police officer assaulting his partner. These heinous acts highlight the urgent need for systemic change in how we address GBV in Sierra Leone. When law enforcement, those who are meant to protect us, become the very perpetrators of violence, it reveals a deeper societal failure. We must hold every individual accountable, regardless of their position or profession, and ensure that victims receive the protection, justice, and support they deserve.
In my capacity as a fellow, addressing GBV is not only a local necessity but also a global imperative. Globalization has interconnected our struggles and solutions, showing us that these injustices affect not just individuals but the health and progress of nations. We cannot afford to overlook the intersection of gender inequality, economic disenfranchisement, and human rights violations.
As someone who has researched the socio-economic impact of GBV on the livelihood of women in Freetown, I am deeply troubled by the recent surge in violent cases, and I unequivocally condemn these acts and call upon the government, civil society, and international partners to take immediate and decisive action.
If Sierra Leone is to build a future where everyone can live free from fear and violence, we must adopt a comprehensive, long-term approach that requires collective action across all sectors of society. One that includes holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for survivors. Strengthen legal frameworks that protect women and vulnerable communities from GBV. Invest in educational campaigns to address harmful gender norms that perpetuate violence. Provide accessible support services for survivors, including shelters, legal assistance, and mental health care. It is also important to foster gender equality by empowering women and girls at all levels of society, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. It’s not just a women’s issue. It’s a human issue, and it’s time we treat it as such.
I stand in solidarity with every survivor of GBV, and I will continue to advocate for a future where gender equality and human rights are fully realized.
The ideas shared here are just the start of an important conversation about how we can work together to stop GBV. This problem is big, but we can make real progress with the right strategies and true commitment from all parts of society.
Together, we must work tirelessly to eradicate all forms of GBV, not only as an urgent response to current crises but as a commitment to future generations where violence against women is never tolerated.
About the Author
JANISA MOMODU ESQ
